A NEW GP surgery could be coming to Halstead after plans to change part of the town's hospital were submitted to Braintree Council.

NHS Property Services has submitted the plans in hopes of changing the hospital’s former X-ray block into a surgery.

NHS Property Services manages, maintains and improves NHS properties and facilities, working in partnership with NHS organisations to create safe, efficient, sustainable and modern healthcare and working environments.

The site consists of a vacant single-story building within the hospital complex, which used to be the X-ray block.

There are ten car parking spaces on the site which also includes two disabled parking spaces.

Access is provided directly off Hedingham Road to the west.

The application is asking permission for change of use from X-ray block to GP surgery.

The proposed development will include minor changes to the internal layout of the building, however the external appearance of the building will not be altered.

The plans include a reception and waiting room, three consulting rooms and one treatment room, as well as an interview and virtual consulting room, and toilets and staff facilities.

The application sets out the benefits of the proposal.

It says: “The proposed development provides an opportunity to optimise the use of this previously developed land as well as making a clear contribution to the healthcare sector and tend to patients within the catchment area, provide employment and provide a service at a site that is currently under-utilised.”

It also added how it is expected the plans would see seven staff operate from the premises, consisting of two GPs, three nursing/clinical staff and two reception/administration staff.

The plans come after the nearby ward block reopened its doors for the first time in more than two years at the beginning of December.

It reopened on a four-month contract which will see services provided until the end of March, with the future beyond that point still uncertain.