North Weald Airfield’s transport links, air ambulance base and location make it a perfect site for a new hospital, a councillor has said.

Councillor Nigel Bedford’s suggestion has been supported in principle by North Weald Bassett Parish Council, which will now recommend the idea to Epping Forest District Council.

The parish council believes the airfield could be suitable for a district general hospital to replace the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Harlow.

Although the PAH trust says it is planning for population growth in the area and is considering new hospital sites, it is not clear if the airfield is an option for NHS planners.

Cllr Bedford highlighted good road links to other hospitals, with the M11 linking to Whipps Cross in the south and Addenbrookes in the north, and the A414 east to Broomfield Hospital.

He added: “I can see this as a way of supporting flying at the airfield.

“We would be securing the airfield.

“We could lease the land on a 100-year lease, generating revenue income and that income could sustain flying by maintaining the runway.”

With the air ambulance already based at the airfield, Cllr Bedford suggested nearby fire and ambulance stations could also relocate to create a mixed-use “emergency base”, and he said it would be more accessible for people in Epping Forest.

Recommending the idea to the district council, the parish council will call it an “ideal opportunity to work with Harlow Council” and to develop part of the airfield.

The PAH trust said it is planning “for the future population growth predicted in the area and ensure that there are sustainable high quality services in the long term.

“As part of that work the trust is exploring all options including development of the existing hospital site and potential alternative sites in the Harlow area.”

The district council said: “We are aware that future expansion of the Princess Alexandra site is limited and the health authority is exploring possible options for another site.

“We are working with neighbouring councils as part of the local plan process to include strategic factors such as health provision but we have not been given any indication that North Weald is being considered as a likely option.

“Considering the catchment area for Princess Alexandra, we understand they are looking further north.”