A BRAND new medical centre serving about 10,000 people in the villages surrounding Halstead could be built by the spring, it has been revealed.

The new medical practice is set to be built at the Premdor site, in Sible Hedingham, and will replace the village’s Hilton House Surgery and Castle Surgery, in Castle Hedingham, both of which are run by the Hedingham Medical Centre group.

After public consultation in 2018, Braintree Council and NHS England are said to be finalising plans with the aim of starting building work for completion by the spring.

A planning application for the centre, which is set to be built next to the existing Osier House business hub, is likely to be submitted soon.

Ward councillor Jo Beavis (Ind, Hedingham) said she was “delighted” the surgery plans were moving forward.

“I would be delighted to see a full planning application finally come forward for the design and build,” she said.

“This would give the two parish councils of Sible and Castle Hedingham, along with parishioners, the opportunity to be consulted and have their say.

“Braintree Council has identified an opportunity to deliver the new and modern medical centre with a wide range of health care services. The asset would be an investment for the council’s commercial portfolio, as I understand it.”

The new medical centre forms part of a masterplan for the area dating back to 2012. It includes 200 homes, the business centre, a now complete riverside walk, a play area, pocket park and the renovation of the old Nat West Bank building.

A small strip of land was safeguarded for the medical practice, with an £80k study and consultation taking place in 2018. Mrs Beavis said further consultation has been taking place with residents on the finer details.

She added: “The Care Quality Commission surveyed residents on aspects of transport links, car parking and accessibility.

“Some residents have reservations about highways access to the proposed site but I’m confident Essex County Council, along with partners and stakeholders, will engage in the process.

“I was the chairman of Sible Hedingham Parish Council back in 2012 when the original plans were completed and had the opportunity to help shape the regeneration site.

“I would be pleased to see the completion of the new medical centre and the renovation of the Nat West Bank building soon.”

Hedingham Medical Centre is keeping residents updated on the plan via its website. It said: “We are now in the last stages of finalising the plans for the new site, with NHS England and Braintree Council.

“We are hopeful the likely completions date for the building will be in Spring 2021.”

However, Braintree District Council refuse to confirm any dates at the stage. 

A spokesman said: “We are in discussions with the GP practices in Sible Hedingham about the development of a new medical centre, however at the moment the project is at its inception phase and therefore it is too early to give any project timescales.”

Visit hedmed.co.uk.