A major new development could see a new swimming pool, health centre and housing for people aged over-55.

Proposals for Hillhouse in Waltham Abbey would be built on playing fields, covering half but leaving some space for sports pitches and recreation space.

The new swimming pool would replace Waltham Abbey swimming pool in Roundhills, and the health centre would provide a new home for the current Maynard Court surgery.

The plans have been jointly developed by Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council and NHS England.

Now, members of the public are being invited to a consultation weekend which could help shape proposals.

Town mayor and leisure and community councillor Helen Kane said: “This is an exciting opportunity - both for the community living in the Hillhouse area and for all Waltham Abbey residents.

“We know that the existing swimming pool at Roundhills in Waltham Abbey is close to the end of its operational life.

“This development proposal provides a unique opportunity to ensure that a new, modern public swimming pool can be provided in Waltham Abbey, without any temporary loss of provision, for many years to come.

“The community planning weekend enables anyone from Waltham Abbey with an interest in the proposals to give their initial views on how the proposed swimming pool, health centre and independent living scheme can best be provided together.”

The development would include a 25m pool with six lanes, a learner pool, and a studio and community space.

The over-55 housing would be next to the proposed health centre providing a place to live for those who need additional care and support.

The weekend event with architects JTP will take place at Hillhouse Primary School in Ninefields between 5pm and 7pm on Friday March 18, with people able to view an exhibition of background plans.

The next day between 10.45am and 3.30pm, the event will continue and the community will be able to share local knowledge and help shape the plans.

The JTP architects will then develop proposals and a vision for the site ahead of a future planning application.