A BID to build a new medical centre in Walton has been approved.

Developer Ashley House PLC launched the application to create a two-storey surgery and pharmacy on the former Martello Caravan Park.

Permission has already been granted for Ashley House to build a 60-apartment complex near the Martello Tower on the site.

Now the firm has been given approval by Tendring Council to create a separate medical centre building and car park nearby.

It has been given outline planning permission by council officers.

They took advice from Historic England due to the application’s position near the Martello Tower, which is a scheduled ancient monument and listed building.

But it was considered the potential for improvement to the area would trump any potential harm to the area.

Councillors have been looking for a long-term solution for medical services in the area, with the surgeries currently operating in Frinton and Walton struggling to cope with demand.

NHS England has already indicated that there is no funding in place and could not commit to funding the operation of the facility though.

But a spokesman for Tendring Council said: “Funding arrangements for the centre are a totally separate issue to planning permission - and does not preclude that being granted.”

The current approval covers the principle of development, but developers will have to get approval for a further application with full details before any building can go ahead.