A disused brickworks on the outskirts of Rochford is to be the site for Southend Hospital's new diagnostic and treatment centre, it was revealed today.

The site is off Cherry Orchard Way and close to Southend Airport and has been out of use for some years.

In a report to the environmental services committee tomorrow, head of planning Shaun Scrutton will reveal the site is within the green belt.

A total of six hectares of land would be needed for the new unit and the brickworks site was only part of this.

An area of scrubland would also be included within the proposed site for the new centre.

Mr Scrutton said the new centre would be of significant importance for the local area and the well-being of the population.

He said a well-designed and high quality hospital building would be visible but with suitable landscaping should be no more damaging than the existing buildings.

Published Wednesday, May 28, 2003

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