Proposal for new medical centre on estate
Plans for a new two-storey medical practice on open land in Wolverhampton, designed to combine two existing surgeries under one roof, have been submitted to the city council.
The proposal by Medcentres Plc relate to an area of land in Bushbury, bordering Rushall Road, Northwood Park Road and Broadway.
Prestbury Medical Practice, which has surgeries in Prestwood Road West, Wednesfield, and also operates from Bushbury Medical Centre in Hellier Road, has been working to secure fit for purpose medical facilities for the last seven years, as the existing buildings are both at capacity and unfit for purpose.
However, the plans have attracted ten letters of objection, with a ward councillor also raising concerns.
In a report to the council, senior planning officer Vijay Kaul summarised the unnamed councillor’s objections as follows: "WCC should not be disposing of a community asset in this way as it should be developed as a village green.
"There will be a loss of views from neighbouring properties as the green is the significant gateway to Northwood Park.
"It will have a detrimental impact upon local amenities, shops, the park and schools, with significant congestion and safety concerns.
"The benefits are outweighed by damage to Bushbury North residents."
The report also said: "Prestwood Road West is the only surgery in its locality identified as a red (highest) risk in the Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) estate strategy and is very much a priority.
"This proposal will see the consolidation of both sites into one.
"The building will be an NHS GP surgery with associated services, such as consulting/examination rooms, treatment rooms, GP training rooms and health education."
Along with the application, the council received eight letters in support of the plans.
The report added: "A larger purpose-built surgery will provide greatly enhanced medical treatment, clinical care to patients and services for the area with doctors all in one place.
"Several buses cover the route and access and entry will take greater account of disabled, and elderly patients.
"The existing practices are no longer fit for purpose and struggle to meet demand.
"The communities of Bushbury, Fallings Park and Wednesfield will benefit greatly from this development."
Under the plans, a new pedestrian crossing point will be installed and an existing crossing enhanced.
Council members will discuss the application next Tuesday, November 16.
