SOUTH Basildon MP James McMurdock has called for urgent clarification following reports that the proposed health centre at the Laindon Centre development has been deemed "unaffordable" and halted mid-project.

Although the site sits just beyond his constituency boundary, many residents in South Basildon would have relied on the facility for primary care services. The decision comes despite significant progress already being made, with developers Sanctuary confirming that approximately £7 million has been invested in the scheme to date.

 Mr McMurdock said, "if a project can progress to this stage, with millions already invested, and only then be declared 'unaffordable', serious questions need to be asked about planning, oversight and financial modelling."

"Our area is experiencing sustained population growth. At the same time, Basildon Hospital continues to operate under significant pressure. Reducing or delaying community-based provision without a clearly defined alternative risks compounding those pressures."

"This is about ensuring that residents can count on local developments to do what they say and have access to timely community services close to home."

The MP has also asked whether nearby developments, including recently opened Community Diagnostic Centres, were factored into the revised assessment, and whether those facilities genuinely offset the need for primary care capacity in Laindon.

"Residents deserve transparency. They deserve clarity about what replaces this facility, not simply an announcement that it is no longer viable. If the model needs revisiting, let's revisit it properly and deliver something that works."

Mr McMurdock confirmed he will update constituents following discussions with NHS leaders and developers.