SUPPORTERS of plans for a new medical centre say there excited to see a surgery "fit for the 21st Century" after receiving planning permission.

Developers, OneMedical Group, had their plans to build the new Hedingham Medical Centre unanimously granted by Braintree Council on Tuesday.

The centre, which will be based at Osier Way in Sible Hedingham, is expected to serve 12,000 patients.

While OneMedical Property will build and run the centre, it will be staffed by medical professionals currently working at the surgeries based in the new centre's catchment area.

The state-of-the-art centre will include 11 medical rooms, and the plans were forged following engagement with residents, current Hedingham Medical Centre staff, Braintree Council and the NHS Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Following the approval by the council, all parties are looking forward to seeing the new centre built, hopefully by summer 2023.

David Shedden, Business Manager at Hedingham Medical Centre, said: “There has been a need for a building that delivers improved healthcare facilities in the local community for many years.

"Hedingham Medical Centre is proud to continue offering a range of health services to our patients in Sible Hedingham and Great Yeldham, which will be unaffected as the project moves forward to the construction phase.”

Dan Doherty, the Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership’s Alliance Director for Mid Essex, added: "Now its construction by OneMedical Property has been approved, the brand new medical centre will offer residents of the Hedinghams, Yeldham and the surrounding area GP-led services fit for the 21st century, delivered by their local practice.”

Rachel Beverley-Stevenson, Executive Chair and Property Director at OneMedical Group, added: "The application for Hedingham Medical Centre has been unanimously granted, which is a huge milestone for everyone involved, who have worked really hard to get the project to this stage.

In a joint statement Braintree Council' housing Kevin Bowers and Health boss Peter Tattersley, said: "We know having access to good, high quality health facilities and services is important to residents, and we will continue to work in partnership with our local partners to support and improve the health of our communities.”