Rocketing demand for health services has been cited by developers planning to build a new doctor's surgery in Mid Essex

Assura Aspire Ltd has applied for permission to build a new medical practice in Southminster, according to plans validated by Maldon District Council.

Documents submitted alongside the application say local demand is expected to increase from 6,000 to 9,500 patients in the next five years.

The new facility would replace the existing William Fisher Medical Centre in Southminster and has received support from the Mid-Essex Integrated Care System, formerly Mid-Essex CCG.

A section read: "The existing surgery is outdated, lacks capacity and the GP client requires improved facilities to cope with expansion of patient list predominantly brought about through housing development within the practice catchment area."

The surgery in David Fisher way is set to consist of nine consulting and treatment rooms, a multi-use group room and other rooms for administration, support and welfare. 

However, according to a design and access statement a section of the parking area is at risk of flooding. 

The statement continues to say in a flood event the surgery building would not be affected, and that an Environment Agency map showing parts of the site flood zones two and three is out of date.

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Areas in flood zone two have between a one-in-100 and one-in-1,000 annual probability of flooding, while that possibility is one-in-100 or greater for areas in flood zone three.

In addition to the surgery, the applicants are asking permission for a dispensary retail unit, car parking and landscaping.

According to the statement, the site was previously part of a wider outline planning application for a northern bypass and 94 houses including 28 affordable homes. 

This was refused by the council in 2015, but approved on appeal in 2016 with costs awarded against the council.

The first three phases of the bypass residential development have been progressed as part of the David Wilson Homes development, the statement continues.