Plans from Braintree District Council to build a new multi-use community centre for the residents of Witham have reached another important milestone.
The planning application for the new building was approved at a meeting of Braintree District Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, 26 March 2024.
The three-storey centre will be built on land next to Haygreen Road, just behind the Aldi supermarket off Hatfield Road.
The plans include a mixed-use hall, kitchen, bar area and changing rooms to serve sports players using the adjacent football pitch.
The communities in and around Witham will be able to use the hall to play sports, attend meetings or events and go to social clubs.
There will be 32 car parking spaces, plus an additional four for disabled drivers. There will also be 14 secure bicycle lockers for cyclists.
The site will be landscaped with plants and trees and an area of open space north of the building will be retained, along with a number of trees.
Cllr Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “With these plans, we are supporting the residents of Witham as well as communities within the surrounding villages too. Community centres are places where people of all ages can meet to socialise, play games as well as participate in sports. They are important hubs which keep minds and bodies healthy as well as reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. With this approval, we’re a step closer in bringing this important asset to fruition.”
Building work is expected to start later this year.