Long-awaited medical centre gets the go-ahead

PLANNING chiefs have given the go-ahead for the long-awaited new medical centre for the Chapelford Urban Village area of Warrington.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee approved proposals  put forward by NHS Property Services for the centre on land forming part of the Chapelford Neighbourhood Centre in Santa Rosa Boulevard.
The centre will include a GP surgery and a pharmacy, together with parking space and the scheme replaces an earlier one approved in 2013 but never implemented.  There will be six consulting rooms and two treatment rooms, together with potential for future expansion. Opening hours have yet to be decided, but will be restricted by condition to a maximum of 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and no opening on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Planners say the building’s pavilion-like design will help to visually link Dakota Park with the village centre and sit very comfortably among the “family” of buildings nearby. There is scope for planting close to three sides of the building.
The proposals have been welcomed by councillors for the area.
In a joint statement, Cllr Faisal Rashid, who has long campaigned for a purpose built centre to complete the urban village, said he hoped work could begin soon.
Cllr Rebecca Knowles said changes from the original plan  to move the car park away from nearby homes was welcome and having a surgery and pharmacy at the heart of Chapelford would enhance the sense of community in the area.
Cllr Steve Parish, who proposed approval at  the committee, said the revised design had a smarter look and would combine an attractive modern building with the needs of patients.