Delays for all-in-one medical centre in Middlewich could prove costly (From Middlewich Guardian)

Delays for all-in-one medical centre in Middlewich could prove costly

12:54pm Wednesday 14th October 2009 in News By David Morgan

PLANS for a £9million medical centre in Middlewich hang in the balance.

Last Wednesday, bosses at Cheshire East Council deferred the outcome of the proposal to obtain more information and to visit the site.

But health bosses have warned that with the Primary Care Trust (PCT) under pressure to cut budgets, delays could potentially mean losing the scheme.

“Times are much harder than they were a couple of years ago,” said project manager Nicola Kent, of the PCT.

“Without a crystal ball I can’t tell what will happen but there are difficult decisions ahead regarding new builds and any other developments.

“It’s not my decision, it’s up to the trust board.”

"Without a crystal ball I can’t tell what will happen but there are difficult decisions ahead"

Project manager Nicola Kent

If it goes ahead, the 3,860 square metre three-storey facility will transform the existing Oaklands Surgery, off St Ann’s Walk.

It will be the new home for Acorns Surgery and create a PCT clinic, children’s centre, dental practice, pharmacy and all-weather football pitch as well as creating more than 10 jobs.

Darren Oxley, development manager for the applicant Oakapple, added: “We are obviously disappointed that such an important facility for the residents of Middlewich has been deferred.

“But we understand that if some councillors need further information to assist in their decision making process, then a deferral is appropriate.

“We feel sure the councillors concerns can be answered, allowing the development to proceed.

“No objections were received from the public, and letters of support have been sent to the planners from the school, town council, PCT and other key stakeholders.

“The application has a recommendation for approval from the planners and positive feedback from all consultees, including the highways officer, which seems to be where the bulk of councillors' concerns sit.”

But Clr Simon McGrory, of Middlewich Town Council, told the Guardian that issues such as building design, impact on residents, parking and pedestrian access have not been ‘satisfactorily addressed’.

He said: “We cannot honestly consider the application with this lack of clear information and having the site visit will allow time for the committee members to see for themselves the problems this development needs to address.

“Also as this is proposed to be constructed in the grounds of the high school and next door to the existing doctors’ surgery, no agreement has been even proposed let alone reached with regards to access for construction traffic.

“The safety of the school, the children and patients of the surgery is of paramount importance.”

Clr McGrory also described the public consultation on the proposal on September 24 as ‘a complete waste of both NHS public money and residents’ time’.

“Any comments made would never have been acted upon as there was no time to make the changes before the planning meeting,” he added.

The proposed facility will have 113 parking spaces, which developers say will dramatically reduce the amount of on-street parking around the school.

The existing Oaklands practice currently has no patient parking.

Mr Oxley added: "We are extremely keen to deliver a much needed one-stop medical facility for the people of Middlewich, with the addition of a desperately needed replacement sports pitch, which both the students of Middlewich High School as well as the wider public will benefit from.

“We look forward to working with the planners and councillors to achieve a successful outcome for the local community and to avoid any further delays, which could potentially put the scheme in jeopardy, as PCT funding comes under ever increasing pressure.”

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