Haxby health centre plan set for go-ahead (From York Press)

Haxby health centre plan set for go-ahead

9:07am Saturday 2nd February 2013 in News By Mark Stead, Political Reporter

PLANS to virtually double the size of a health centre in York could be approved next week.

The Haxby Group Practice is looking to expand its Huntington surgery by adding four more consulting rooms for GPs, as well as facilities for alternative medical treatments and a pharmacy.

The proposals for the North Lane site will be discussed by members of City of York Council’s east area planning sub-committee next week, and the authority’s planning officers have said they should be supported as the expansion would mean “significant benefits” to residents.

However, Huntington Parish Council has objected, saying that while members backed the scheme “to meet the needs of the area”, they had grave concerns about an increase in traffic and inadequate parking facilities. Other local chemists have also claimed the new pharmacy would create unfair competition, although the Haxby Group has said it would provide new services and offer residents “a real choice”.

If the expansion goes ahead, an empty bungalow on North Lane which has been bought by the practice would be demolished to make way for parking spaces and an extension which would house GP consultation rooms, of which the site currently has five. The pharmacy on the site would open for 100 hours a week.

In a report on the application, the council’s development management officer Michael Jones said: “The proposed development would enhance and expand an existing healthcare community facility.

“It incorporates a modern design to create a facility which is appropriate for a modern surgery and will meet the needs of patients. As a result of budget pressures, local health centres are now being expected to cover many issues which, in recent times, have fallen on NHS hospitals. The intention of the redevelopment of this site is to enable these challenges to be met.”

Mr Jones’s report said the scheme had been designed in a way which would not affect nearby homes, and an agreement was being signed which would allow patients and visitors to the health centre to use Huntington Sports and Social Club for additional parking.