The new healthcare facilities after the redevelopment of Braintree will finally give residents the service they deserve, the council has claimed.

As part of the development, a 14,000sq ft state-of-the-art doctor’s surgery, about the size of four tennis courts, will be built along with pharmacy on the same site.

It is hoped the new facilities will improve healthcare provision in the town as well as catering for proposed growth in Braintree.

Councillor Tom Cunningham said: “Braintree is a growing town and has also grown over the last 20 years.

“There is an argument to say there is a deficit in terms of health care provision in the town and it will need to be increased to meet demand.

“Not only are we looking at future capacity, we appreciate the capacity we do have is not necessarily of the standard that our residents require and deserve.

“This is a modern, fit for purpose surgery which will be relevant to the needs of the NHS.

Braintree Council is working with NHS England to put together the surgery proposals.