BRAINTREE MP James Cleverly has praised plans to regenerate Braintree town centre.

The development could potentially cost Braintree Council £11.5million and includes a new doctor’s surgery, a pharmacy, a bus “interchange” and a hotel.

Braintree Council staged an exhibition in June to showcase the plans put forward by a new partnership and announced an unnamed hotel giant had also shown interest.

However since then no further details of updates about the Manor Street redevelopment have been revealed.

Braintree Council hopes to see a new healthcare facility, to replace the Mount Chambers Surgery, built.

The site for redevelopment is the area behind the town hall, which is under council ownership.

On Friay the council insisted plans are still on track.

A spokesman said: "The council is continuing to work with our project team on the designs for the land behind the town hall and will be holding a further exhibition in January 2018 where the detailed designs will be on view to the public.

“The scheme will then be taken to cabinet and council in February 2018 and if approved a full planning application could be submitted in April 2018.”

Mr Cleverly said: “The plans for investment and the exciting new facilities, homes and shops that this project will deliver will add to the appeal of our town.

“I’m always happy to support projects that bring employment, economic activity and footfall to the town centre. "

A new contract was awarded to a partnership of firms after previous delays and problems.