A NEW £40 million community hospital and health centre for an Essex town is set for the go-ahead next week.Harwich and District Hospital will see a redevelopment of the current site and once completed the existing buildings will be demolished.

A NEW £40 million community hospital and health centre for an Essex town is set for the go-ahead next week.

Harwich and District Hospital will see a redevelopment of the current site and once completed the existing buildings will be demolished.

The original scheme caused controversy when it was announced because part of the land was earmarked to be sold off for private housing.

But last December, after public opposition, the NHS said it would not be applying for permission to build at the site.

The building at the 2.4-hectare site off Main Road in Dovercourt will have a contemporary style and includes a small three-storey section in the middle of the development.

The applicant, Tendring Primary Care Trust, want to provide 126 parking spaces and is also obliged to keep as many of the mature trees on the site as possible.

Local residents raised a number of objections including the possible loss of privacy for properties which would be overlooked by the new wards.

Tendring District Council also received letters from people concerned about the effects on wildlife and the local environment and the proximity of the car park to the boundaries of nearby houses.

Officers stated the redevelopment should not add to the activity at the site or "affect the character or amenity" of the area significantly.

The land originally to be used for housing has now been earmarked for "potential future healthcare use".

Officers have recommended full approval of the planning permission, subject to conditions being met.

Councillors will meet next Tuesday to vote on the proposals.