RESIDENTS can expect to see a new retail row and flats build in their town after a revived bid was given a thumbs up by planning bosses.

Braintree Council's Planning Committee has granted planning permission for plans to demolish the Rickstones Neighbourhood Centre in Witham.

Independent developers have succeeded in their bid to revamp the site, which is at the junction of Laburnum Way and Dorothy Sayers Drive.

The centre was formerly known as Elm Rise Shopping Precinct and features a pair of two story retail blocks with flats.

But now the site has begun to look tired with a with developers attempting to redevelop it since 2007.

But now the developers, who revived their plans which they withdrew in 2018, have had their latest application granted by councillors.

The developers have owned the site for more than 30 years but are ready to knock down the exisiting structures.

They will be replaced with three to five commercial units and 21 new flats.

The commercial spaces will be for business, service and takeaway use.

Plans also include landscaping, gardens and a car park.

Speaking at the council meeting held on Tuesday, councillor Gabrielle Spray said: "It's been around for a while and in fact there is a comment that the applicant has been seeking to redevlop this sisnce at least 2007.

"The site badly needs redevelopment. I like what I saw, I like the design and materials, I think it's modern and it's interesting.

"I think there's a decenty amount of community space here, particularly for an urban setting.

"We've got the communal gardens, some private gardens, balconies, personally I think that's pretty good considering the location and two bedroom flats are very welcome.

"We haven't got everything we wished for but I think this is immeasurably better than what is there now, significantly so.

"The retail offering is very welcome, that should help rejuvenate the area."

The decision comes after the plans were recommended for approval by planning officers.

As part of their approval, the council has requested an informative over electric vehicle charging points and a condition regarding broadband connection.