AN application to build a private hospital at the heart of Epping Forest will now be heard on appeal after it was twice rejected by the district council.

Maria Sanchez's scheme would see a centre for “post-operative medical treatment” constructed on the site of the former youth hostel, in Wellington Hill, High Beach.

If built, it would include six rooms for patients staying overnight plus consultation rooms, treatment rooms and testing facilities providing services including depression recovery, trauma rehabilitation, and osteopathy.

Ms Sanchez said: “There's nothing like it in England, I've pulled it from America and it will benefit everyone.”

The plans had been previously rejected by Epping Forest District Council on the grounds of the lack of public transport for the area, lack of car-parking and the loss of the youth hostel facility.

A public inquiry will now be held into the plans at an as yet unspecified date.