Proposed GP surgery not big enough, developer told

A planned GP surgery will not be big enough to meet growing demand, a developer has been told.

Miller Homes proposed a new building to replace the existing medical practice in Priorslee, Telford, but it would be smaller than the current one. The lease on the practice, in Gatcombe Way, is due to expire next year.

Health commissioners, residents and one of the doctors using the practice have objected.

Miller Homes has said it is "very willing" to provide a larger one and discussions are ongoing.

Dr Rashpal Bhachu, of Shifnal and Priorslee Medical Practice, said the current surgery is "already insufficient in size for the current population growth".

He said with more than 1,000 more homes being built in Priorslee, it needed a surgery almost three times the one being proposed, with more parking.

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin also objected to the plans for a 350sqm surgery and agreed it needed to be closer to 1,100sqm in size.

It said it was concerned because "the number of registered patients is expected to grow substantially, further increasing demand for healthcare services".

Miller Homes said the application it submitted was "in accordance with the approved masterplan" and an agreement made with Telford and Wrekin Council previously "specifically states the size that should be provided for the new premises".

But it said it was "very willing to provide a larger GP surgery if that is acceptable to the Local Authority".

Telford and Wrekin Council planners are currently considering an application to complete the infrastructure for the area currently being developed.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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