A tourist attraction will get a facelift after councillors overturned a refusal to allow improvements.

The Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society wanted permission to change the use of a field on the site to a car park and new reception building.

It was recommended the plans be refused as it would intrude into the countryside and change the character of the area.

Planning officers had said it "would erode the sense of openness and have a detrimental impact upon the local landscape".

However at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday councillors overturned the recommendation, allowing for the expansion to take place.

Wendy Scattergood, who chaired the planning meeting, said: "It's an important place for rural business and without the car park it would probably have to close.

"We felt that because the land was low the cars would not be visible.

"We have to balance different policies and we have a policy to encourage rural business and tourism."

Seven letters of support had been received by Braintree Council, saying the railways needed updating and it is a well-established tourist attraction.

They also said it would provide an improved experience for visitors and preserve an important part of local heritage.

A letter of support was also received from Visit Essex which said the proposal will enhance the popular attraction and will attract more visitors which will help the local economy to grow.

Two letters of objection were also received, raising concerns over it being a flood plain and not suitable for parking.

The Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society was pleased their plans had been supported.

Paul Lemon, chairman of the charity, said: “We are extremely pleased with this endorsement by Braintree Council’s Planning Committee and are grateful for the hard work and help supplied by the planning officers.

"We are near to completion with our plans to take the railway forward on a secure footing and expect to make a formal announcement soon.”

Plans for a new railway restoration centre on the site were also approved.

The charity has been awarded £66,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to devise plans to buy the land and make improvements.

It is hoping to receive a further £1.7million in lottery funding to enable it to carry out the work.