A NEW medical centre could be delivered as part of a major new housing housing development planned on the edge of Bridgwater.
The town of North Petherton is currently experiencing significant housing growth, with construction under way on four new developments at either send of the town.
West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd – which is delivering 33 new homes at the town’s southern edge – has published proposals for an unspecified number of new homes between the A38 Taunton Road and the M5.
The developer (which is also delivering new homes in the nearby village of Creech St Michael) has hinted that a new medical centre and other facilities could be provided if the development ends up getting planning permission.
The site lies on the eastern side of the A38 between Park Lane and Parkers Field, opposite the Carrots Farm development of 20 homes currently being constructed by Summerfield Developments.
The developer has not specified how many homes could be delivered within what it had dubbed “the Park Lane development project” – but it has indicated what other facilities could also be provided.
Following initial consultation with residents between April and July, the developer has pledged to deliver a purpose-built medical centre at the western edge of the site, which would allow existing GPs and other healthcare professionals within the town to relocate to more modern, accessible facilities.
The plans also entail a purpose-built scout and brownie hut with on-site parking, a new cricket pitch at the eastern edge of the site, and enhancements to the existing footpath linking Park Lane to the football club.
A spokesman for Polden Planning (representing the developer) said: “Local interest groups have highlighted that both the scouts and guides clubs in the town are popular and over-subscribed. There are currently no permanent facilities for these clubs.
“The scout club has been operating within the town for the last 70 years and from five different, rented buildings within the last ten years.
“A new, purpose-built facility could benefit both of these clubs which include around 170 members, leaders and helpers in total.”
The developer has hinted it would also be open to making contributions towards improved drainage at North Petherton Rugby Club’s ground at the southern edge of the town, “quality improvements” to the football club and “continual improvement” of the pitches and facilities at the town’s cricket club, including the neighbouring playing fields in North Newton.
The spokesman added: “We believe that the Park Lane development project provides a unique opportunity to benefit hundreds of local club members, with membership numbers anticipated to grow year on year for all local clubs.”
Council leader Bill Revans – who represents North Petherton – has urged his constituents on social media to take part in the consultation.
He said: “This area is not identified in the Local Plan, but it could potentially get consent because it would deliver a replacement North Petherton health centre and other community facilities for the scouts and sports clubs.
“The opportunity to provide a new site for North Petherton surgery would unlock potential for its expansion and improved services, ensuring that these facilities remain in North Petherton in the long term for the benefit of all local residents.”
The Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) identified North Petherton Surgery in September 2020 as one of 14 such facilities which would need to expand or relocate in the coming years as a result of rising patient numbers.
A spokesman for Symphony Healthcare Services – which manages the current surgery on Mill Street – said: ”Within Somerset, North Petherton surgery is the most under-sized practice with the highest density of patients.
“The patient list has gradually risen over the last two years, and with an ever-ageing population and long hospital waiting times, the demand for the very limited space has become greater.
“Since integrating the surgery into Symphony Healthcare Services in October 2021, we have been seeking solutions to this challenge.
“Extending the existing building out or up is only possible if more adjacent land is acquired; this has not been possible and even if it was, access to practice and parking is far from ideal.
“The potential opportunity at Park Lane provides the opportunity to build a modern, fit-for-purpose health care facility in a central location and with excellent pedestrian/vehicular access and sufficient parking.
“A new building would help the practice attract and retain clinical and non-clinical staff providing greater sustainability and consistency of care.”
To take part in the online consultation, visit www.poldenplanning.co.uk/consultations/parklane.
An in-person consultation event is expected to be staged in early-2024, which will be followed by the formal submission of a planning application to Somerset Council.
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