New medical practice approved for green space in Wolverhampton
Plans to build a new medical practice on open land in Wolverhampton have been given the go-ahead, despite concerns over the loss of green space.
City planners this week granted approval for the new two-storey building on an area of land in Bushbury, bordering Rushall Road, Northwood Park Road and Broadway.
The application by Medcentres Plc was made to enable two existing surgeries in the city to relocate and merge under one roof.
Prestbury Medical Practice, which has surgeries in Prestwood Road West, Wednesfield, and also operates from Bushbury Medical Centre in Hellier Road, had been working to secure new medical facilities for the last seven years, as the existing buildings are both at capacity and unfit for purpose.
However, the proposal was met with strong objection from ward Councillor Andrew McNeil who told this week’s meeting of the council’s planning committee: “This asset should be protected from any development. The effect of such a development on the character of the neighbourhood will be detrimental.
“This is the gateway to Northwood Park, so effectively you will be fencing the park in and it would mean the loss of valued community space forever. It was once a beautiful area that should be used to follow the council’s wishes to beautify and green our city.
“It shouldn’t be seen as just another opportunity to fill in another green space because it’s easy. Over the last month or so I’ve spoken to more than 100 residents as part of a green belt consultation and only had one resident who actually supported this planning piece.
“The council should be finding smarter and better ways for the residents of Wednesfield to have their existing surgery wishes fulfilled, rather than implementing a solution on Bushbury North that nobody actually wants.”
He was supported by Councillor Jonathan Yardley who said: “Are there no brownfield sites available? We lack green space in Wolverhampton so it should be brownfield first. I don’t support this application.”
However, Councillor Alan Butt said his experience over the last 18 months had been vastly different to Councillor McNeil’s.
“I have been approached by many residents online since it was first put on there to say that this development was a possibility. The majority of residents are eagerly awaiting this and see it as an asset to the community rather than spoiling an asset that is already there,” he said.
“The green space that is there now is mainly used as a crossing for people to go from one side of Broadway housing to the other – and very little else other than the odd dog walker. It’s not something kids play football on or residents have picnics on.
“It is a green space and obviously we regret losing any green space, but the benefits of this state-of-the-art facility for residents far outweighs any of the points raised.
“Not one resident has said to me that they object to having this. It can only benefit the community in my opinion. There are many residents who are already suffering from overcrowded practices and having to travel to them.
“I think the impact to the local community, probably from visitors, will also benefit the local shops. I don’t think it will be detrimental to them,” he added.
“When they see what wonderful facilities we have got here – the shops and cafe – people will be likely to stop on their way to or from the practice. I wholeheartedly support this and think turning it down would be detrimental to the residents of Bushbury.”
Councillor Adam Collinge told the committee: “I do find it disappointing for people in Wednesfield that a local site hasn’t been found for their surgery and it is having to be co-located.
“I think that is a failure of strategic planning as there have been many developments in the area, brownfield as well, that could have potentially accommodated another doctors’ surgery. I have issues in supporting this development.”
The application was moved by Councillor Butt and seconded by Councillor Phil Page. Members voted in favour of granting the proposal.
A planning report to the council said the building will be an NHS GP surgery with associated services, such as consulting/examination rooms, treatment rooms, GP training rooms and health education facilities.
