The multi-million pound redevelopment of Braintree town centre has been delayed by several months.

Braintree Council’s latest proposals for land behind Manor Street, Braintree, were set to go before cabinet members later this month with a formal planning application due to be submitted around April, once members had rubber stamped the plans.

The project has now been put back until the summer.

Tom Cunningham, councillor responsible for economic development, claimed the delay was to allow the council to “finalise” the proposals but insisted the council was still committed to the scheme.

He said: “Our investment is a sign of faith in the town and we see this project as a catalyst for wider change.

“We already have a big name hotel wanting to be part of it and local smaller businesses who are passionate about Braintree who want to jump on board too and we are continuing to work with NHS England and Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group on the delivery of a healthcare facility as part of the scheme.

“We’ll be busy finalising the plans over the next few weeks and months and we are looking forward to getting on with the project.”

It had been hoped the names of the businesses and hotels may be released this week.

The amount the council has already spent on planning was also supposed to be revealed.

Proposals for Manor Street include a GP surgery, a pharmacy, a 70-bed hotel, 35 apartments, a brand new bus interchange as well as a car park which will hold both public and private spaces and a cafe/restaurant.

The old scheme, developed by Henry Boot, was set to cost £11.5 million, but despite The Times’ requests, the council said it was not in a position to reveal a new cost, although admitted it would likely be higher. Mr Cunningham said: “This is a completely new scheme and clearly the construction of more buildings will cost more but will deliver more and bring in additional income for the council and the district.

“We are working with our expert cost consultants to generate an indicative construction budget.

“Our professional team is also arranging a competitive process to select a suitable contractor to deliver the project.

“This will ensure that maximum value-for-money and the best possible quality are achieved.”

Construction was set to start early in 2019.