Plans to transfer mental Health services from Runwell to the former Rochford Hospital have been backed by councillors.

South Essex Mental Health and Community Care Trust wants to use the site for elderly and adult patients when the Runwell unit closes in 2003.

The proposals aim to make greater use of the buildings on the hospital site in Dalys Road, including the demolition of the district offices for a 150-space car park.

However, concerns were raised by Mavis Webster (Con, Wheatley) over the future of the Health Education Centre, Gowing House and the nursery as she felt they were interesting buildings and should not be put in jeopardy.

Nigel Leonard, the trust's project director, stressed there was no intention to unduly change or harm any of the three buildings.

He told the council's planning policy sub-committee: "The trust is keen to preserve the three buildings in question, but we are looking at a proposal whereby the district offices would be demolished to make way for a centralised car park on the site for up to 150 vehicles.

"We have now reached a stage where we need to demonstrate to the Department of Health that we have a scheme and a site that is right for development.

"We do have a viable scheme and what we need now is a letter from this council confirming this."

Rochford district councillors voted unanimously in favour of a proposal to demolish the district offices to make way for centralised parking facilities.

However, they stressed that despite their general support full consideration would have to be given at a later date in a full planning application.

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