AN already over-subscribed doctor’s surgery in Silver End cannot cope with the influx of 350 homes without expanding, the NHS has warned.

NHS England has estimated about £115,000 will have to be spent on extra space at Silver End Surgery, in Broadway, which is combined with Braintree’s St Lawrence Medical Practice, to accommodate 840 new residents if the development off Western Road is given the go-ahead.

The surgery is already 732 people over its 3,060 patient capacity.

Gladman Developments has applied to build 350 houses in the village, which will include a public open space, a children’s play area and two new junctions, and will increase the size of the village by almost a quarter.

However, it is claimed the developer has failed to demonstrate how it would help with healthcare services in the town.

See this week's Witham Times for the full story.