COUNCILLOR Joanne Beavis has said she is "delighted" to see the final proposals for a new health centre in Sible Hedingham.

The proposed development for new health care facilities on the Premdor site in Sible Hedingham was discussed at the Braintree Town Council budget meeting on Monday.

After a unanimous vote the council approved the proposals for the health centre to be built.

Joanne Beavis, Hedingham Ward Member for Sible and Castle Hedingham, said: "One can only reflect back to that site when it was a key industrial area for the north of our district and I'm clearly delighted to see the final proposals coming together.

"I think what will be quite interesting for myself and counsellor Johnson particularly is that its almost like building a bridge between Sible and Castle Hedingham, because of the the years we have found as local people they are not always the most cohesive of communities but I think this will really bring both communities together and indeed the wider community as well

"One can only hope that over the next few years we can all glory in the success of this new centre for local residents."

The initial report stated that the new health centre will consist of nine treatment or consultation rooms, a 60-seat waiting area, as well as administration rooms and storage areas.

With room for up to 10,000 people, it has been suggested that there may be scope to expand the centre further in the future.

Existing practices, Hilton House Surgery, in Sible Hedingham, and Castle Surgery, in Castle Hedingham, are expected to close once the new health facility is opened, with patients being transferred over.

Current estimations suggest the transfer of the land will likely be complete in the financial year beginning April 2020.