NHS bosses have warned a proposed 200 home development on Mersea would push the island's healthcare services to breaking point.

North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group said at the moment it cannot support City & County's bid to build 201 homes and commercial buildings on land at Brierley Paddocks in West Mersea due to "unsustainable pressure" the development would put on primary care services.

In its report, the CCG has warned the island already needs a new healthcare centre to meet demand before any further development takes place.

City & County's has said a piece of land could be sold and used to build a doctor’s surgery, however the CCG said more space would be required and has raised concerns over funding.

Programmes director Chris Howlett said: "We do not believe there is provision for the land to be gifted and as such there would be a requirement for funding to be obtained to purchase the land at current market value and further funding to build the facility.

"It is therefore recommended by health partners that a scoping report is undertaken to ascertain the positive and unintended consequences of this proposal which includes clarity on the above issues and includes those under reserved matters.

"It is strongly advised that the unique geographic nature of the island is discussed with the applicant."

According to up to date figures Mersea Island Practice needs 555.36sqm of floorspace to cope with demand - before further development on the island.

At the moment there is 141.24sqm of space shared by 8,099 patients. The recommended amount of space is 120sqm per 1,750 patients.

Mr Howlett said: "The development would have an impact on primary healthcare provision in the area and its implications, if unmitigated, would be unsustainable.

"The proposed development must therefore, in order to be considered under the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ advocated in the National Planning Policy Framework, provide appropriate levels of mitigation."

The CCG said it would ask for £72,864 from City & Country to mitigate the increase in population of around 462 residents.

Independent council candidate John Akker has written to the CCG asking it to conduct an investigation into consequences of isolation on the island and the impact this has on the NHS.

He said: "Mersea and Pyefleet have approaching 7,500 residents of whom 31.5 per cent are over 65, double the average for Colchester.

"A significant number are widowed, or single, with no family members nearby. Many live by themselves.

"I believe this is a substantial challenge to the health authorities. I also believe that it would be hugely beneficial to have accurate data on several related issues."

Mr Akker has called for a pilot scheme involving voluntary sector, community groups and leisure organisations which would help shape future healthcare provision in Mersea and could help further afield across Essex.