Inside the controversial new over 55s development officially open in Burnham

Sir John Whittingdale was invited to the Burnham Waters site off the B1010 Maldon Road to cut a ribbon and open the site.

We were invited to the opening event to get an exclusive first look at the show homes and the development site.

Opening: Sir John Whittingdale cutting the ribbon (Image: Newsquest)Bathroom: inside a bathroom at one of the show homes (Image: Newsquest)

There has been lots of controversy surrounding the site, particularly due to concerns for the possible relocation of the Burnham Doctors Surgery from the centre of Burnham to the Burnham Waters site.

Arriving at the site, which is off the main road into and out of Burnham, there were a group of protestors standing on a grass verge holding ‘Save Our Surgery’ signs.

Lounge: spacious lounge at one of the homes (Image: Newsquest)Development: range of bungalows on the site (Image: Newsquest)

Lots of cars were beeping their horns as they drove past, in support of the protestors.

A number of homes have been built and the building work is well underway, with builders in action whilst the opening event was held.

Building: works underway on the site (Image: Newsquest)

Looking around the show homes, there is a lot of natural light and they have very modern interiors.

All homes are designed to have enough space to ensure wheelchair accessibility throughout the bungalows.

In comparison to residential homes and over 55’s accommodations I have seen, these are very modern, spacious and bright.

Bedroom: a stylish designed bedroom in a show home (Image: Newsquest)Kitchen: kitchen and dining area (Image: Newsquest)

Many of the homes were displaying sold and reserved signs and lots of people viewing the homes were impressed with the space and interior design in each home.

Burnham Waters Director Ian Holloway said: “I am extremely proud of everything we have achieved with this development.

“Everyone who has looked around the show homes has been impressed with the space.

Hallway: spacious hallway in a show home (Image: Newsquest)

“This vision started about eight years ago and I’m really happy with how it turned out.

“The central Government has said it could do with more developments like this one around the country.”

In response to the protestors against the development, Ian said: “I have engaged with the council and I went to the public meeting about the future of the surgery.

Protestors: group of residents against talks for the surgery move (Image: Newsquest)

“I believe the locals have a very ‘not in my backyard’ mindset about the development and they’re endangering their lives now on the highway.

“They said this development would be like matchstick houses but that is not the case, they are low density, spacious and energy efficient.”