New community centre in Witham approved by district council

The community centre is planned to be built behind the Aldi supermarket on land next to Haygreen Road

A new multi-use community centre has been granted planning permission.

The three-storey facility would be built on land next to Haygreen Road in Witham, Essex, and would serve a new housing development.

Blueprints showed the centre would have a bar, kitchen and changing rooms for sports players using the adjacent football pitch.

Braintree District Council approved the planning application and said work was expected to start later this year.

Conservative councillor Mary Cunningham said community hubs helped to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

"[They] are places where people of all ages can meet to socialise, play games as well as participate in sports," she said.

The council said the centre would provide a space for residents to play sports, attend meetings or go to social clubs.

There would be 36 car parking spaces and 14 bicycle lockers, with the site on the new Maltings Lane development being landscaped with plants and trees.