A ruling is finally set to be made on a major revamp of Witham train station nearly two years after proposals were first put forward.

Greater Anglia is seeking planning permission to build a new two-storey ticket office on the south side of the station and refurbish the second entrance to the station along Albert Road.

The new ticket office will include a separate taxi office, space for a retail unit and takeaway, lift, storage and staff area.

The existing ticket office which is already based inside the station will be demolished and the footbridge which runs over platforms will also be improved.

Blueprints for the revamp were first put forward in December 2017 but were amended after 107 letters of objection were submitted over plans to also build a multi-storey car park off Easton Road.

Greater Anglia has since dropped proposals for the multi-storey car park and is instead seeking separate permission to add a single deck on top of the existing car park.

Braintree Council's planning committee will rule on the original application to redevelop the station buildings next and ahead of the meeting, planning officers have recommended the scheme be approved.

In their report, the officers argue the revamp will provide a huge economic boost for Witham in general, something the town council has highlighted during the consultation phase.

The report adds: "The development of the new station facilities will create economic benefits during the construction period and allow the creation of new retail and commercial businesses at the station generating further modest economic benefits.

"They will also support the projected increase in train travel to and from the station which will be beneficial to the train operating company.

"Officers also consider that there will be wider economic benefits for the town as the improved station facilities will make the town more attractive to businesses and a location for investment.

"The scheme will improve the entrance on the southern side of the station, increasing activity and surveillance which will be a social benefit of the proposals."

Further enhancements to the cycle storage facilities and pedestrian routes near the station have also been included in Greater Anglia's application.

Next week's meeting takes place on Tuesday at Causeway House, Bocking End, and gets underway at 7.15pm.