An award-winning brewery’s bid to expand into a village is set to be thwarted by a council.

Maldon Brewing Company wants to move from its base in Silver Street, Maldon, to Birchwood Farm in Cock Clarks.

The proposed plans would create four new full-time positions within a new micro-brewery and tap room, which owner Nigel Farmer said would be “key” to the brewer’s long-term future.

But planning officers have recommended Maldon District Council’s north western area planning committee rejects the bid as it would have a “negative visual impact” on the village.

A report, which will go before the committee on Monday, said: “It is considered that insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that this site is the most suitable location for the proposed development having regard to the designated employment land of the district and the accessibility of the site.”

But Mr Farmer said the business needed to expand.

He said: “Nearly all new breweries incorporate a tap room or visitors’ reception area as part of their business.

“Indeed, such a facility is key in promoting the business, particularly as the focal point for brewery tours and brewery events.”

The application would see a new 14-space car park built at the site, which would be shared with the Maldon Oyster Company.

Purleigh Parish Council raised a number of objections to the plans, stating the development would lead to a large increase in traffic and would have a negative impact on neighbouring homes, and the access to the site is too narrow.

Lydia Jones, who lives beside the proposed development, said the access from Chimney Lane would be a major issue for residents surrounding the brewery.

She added Chimney Lane is only 9ft wide, making it difficult for large vehicles to use the road.

Despite these issues, Highways England raised no objections to the application.

Chris Harvey, from the Maldon and Dengie branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, has shown his support for the brewery’s plans for the future.

He said: “Our concern is that the company would find it increasingly difficult or even impossible to sustain its business without this move.

“Competition is growing all the time, and other local breweries have been able to expand and diversify their operations in recent years.

“Operating from their current premises, Maldon Brewing Company simply cannot implement similar expansion or diversification plans.”

The plans will be decided at the council’s planning committee on Monday.