A HOSPICE says it is in talks with another developer to bring forward work on its new facility.

St Luke's Hospice was granted planning permission in June 2015 to build a six-bed hospice and 50 upmarket homes at Malgraves Farm, off Lower Dunton Road, Langdon Hills.

However it has been revealed that Countryside Properties, the developer taking the scheme forward, is no longer involved.

Eileen Marshall Chief Executive Officer at St. Luke’s Hospice, insists that the move will not jepardise the project and that negotiations with new developers are ongoing.

She said: "We have been informed that Countryside Properties are no longer involved in the project and that negotiations are taking place, between the land owners and other developers who are showing a keen interest to proceed with the planned development.

"We are still working towards developing our new hospice’’

The six-bed facility will act as a back-up for the current hospice in Nethermayne, Basildon.