The proposed revamp of Freeport will be a "game-changer" according to Braintree councillors.

Members of the planning committee unanimously voted in favour of Landsec's vision for the factory outlet and approved the first phase of the improvement scheme during a meeting.

The real estate investment company will now be able to start work on creating new retail space inside the shopping village and a new footpath linking the facilities to the nearby train station.

Further applications for the extended car park, new entrance and visitors centre will be decided at a later date.

During the meeting where the plans were approved, councillors were in agreement the facelift would be of benefit not only to Freeport, but also to the rest of the town.

Lynette Bowers-Flint said: "This excites me looking at this and I am aware through officers there are other proposals that are going to come in front of us for the upgrading it and making it more upmarket.

"I think we can see from the plans in front of us that is a good thing. It looks so much better and nicer. Shoppers will be able to see what's inside shops because of the glass windows. At the minute you can't really see inside many of the shops.

"I think it will be good for the district, good for the economy that we are getting something like this done."

Tom Cunnigham added: "I'm not an expert but this is pretty transformational what they are doing and I think Landsec should be absolutely applauded for this.

It is very, very exciting. We are in a different position to our colleagues 20 years ago in that there is an acceptance in the town of Braintree that actually Freeport compliments than the town centre rather than is in competition to it.

"Since they have taken over Landsec have been impeccable and unswerving in reinforcing that message and work with all parts of the town centre which i think bodes well for the community."