Plans for a swimming pool, health centre and over-55’s housing have taken a major step forward with the submission of a planning application.

The ‘outline’ application – with little detail or designs available – is for the regeneration of Hillhouse, in the Ninefields Estate in Waltham Abbey.

An apartment building will provide housing for 60 older people, each receiving six hours of care a week.

The proposal includes plans for 40 per cent of the housing to be “affordable”.

The application also includes plans for a leisure centre and swimming pool building to replace Waltham Abbey swimming pool in Roundhills.

A community hall would replace the disused Ninefields community centre and a health centre would provide a new home for the current Maynard Court surgery.

The project is being developed by Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council and NHS England.

Former mayor and current leisure and community services councillor Helen Kane said: “This is another milestone reached in bringing forward fantastic new facilities for Hillhouse and Waltham Abbey, as well as the Epping Forest district as a whole.”

The application has been made following a public consultation.

Cllr Kane said there had been “only limited support” for a new play area and outdoor gym, so open space being kept on the Hillhouse development site will become a small football pitch for children aged eight and younger.

County councillor John Spence CBE, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is a great example of partners working collaboratively towards a development that will truly benefit the community.”

“Within the Epping Forest area, as in other parts of the county, there is a real need for independent living properties designed to support older people, and with an ageing population in Essex we will see an emphasis by the county council on this type of development in the future.”

A spokesman for the NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group called it “an ideal opportunity for a new health centre without the need to move services from the current area.

“It will enable an increased number and type of services, while at the same time providing opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents.”

A decision is likely in November, with more detailed applications expected next year.

To comment on the plans, visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/iplan by September 10.