Plans for a new secure unit at Runwell Hospital have been given the go-ahead, after funding was agreed for a £250,000 road.

The new medium secure, 97-bed building will go ahead six years after outline planning permission was granted.

Concerns about the impact of construction traffic going into the site from residents in Runwell Road, Wickford, had caused a stumbling block.

But at a Chelmsford Council planning meeting, the site and the design of the building were finally given the green light after it was announced funding for the new road had been secured.

Dr Patrick Geoghegan, chief executive of the South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We have listened to residents and their concerns and have secured funding for a haulage road which was the main concern of the residents.

"This is a vital resource we need in Essex."

Ray Ride (Con, Rettendon and Runwell) said: "The community of Runwell supports the requirement to redevelop the mental health facilities. It has been a mental hospital for over 70 years and we embrace the need for change.

"We are delighted that at the 11th hour sufficient funding to put in an access road has been successful."