PLANS for a major medical centre and apartment block development in Walton were hit with a setback after town councillors voted against the project.

The application includes a state-of-the-art surgery, a pharmacy and a block of extra-care apartments on a section of Martello Caravan Park.

Developers Ashley House describe the project as the next step in Walton’s regeneration.

It is hoped a new medical centre would help attract new doctors to the area, which is in the middle of a healthcare crisis due to the lack of permanent GPs.

At this stage full planning permission is sought for the apartment block, while outline permission is sought for the medical centre and pharmacy – meaning some details could be subject to change before a full application is submitted.

The scheme was discussed by Frinton and Walton Town Council last week.

And councillors recommended refusal of the project, fearing it would not be the right direction for Walton.

The plan will now go on to Tendring Council, which will have the final say on the project.