An old leisure centre is in line to be demolished and houses built in its place.

Once the new Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre opens next month, the old one at Roundhills will close.

The land is earmarked for housing in Epping Forest District Council's Local Plan, which now wants Essex Housing to lead the project.

If approved by the council's cabinet on October 18, the firm would appoint consultants, hire demolition experts, supervise the demolition process and produce a plan for housing on the site.

A report to be seen by the cabinet reads: "In view of their successful and high quality approach to leading on the Hillhouse development in Waltham Abbey, Essex Housing has been invited to provide a Fee Submission to work up a proposal for residential accommodation on the site, submit an outline planning application, procure a demolition contractor and supervise the demolition of the Swimming Pool."

The council estimates the work will cost £275,000.

Of this £12,000 will be given as a development fee to Essex Housing, which is part of Essex County Council.

With the building demolished, the council may then sell the site to a developer either with or without a pledge to purchase affordable homes on completion, keep part of the site for affordable housing and sell the rest, or develop the whole site itself, with some or all houses built to be affordable.