Plans to turn closed rural GP surgery into a house

A recently closed rural GP surgery could be turned into a house after it was deemed "not viable" for use by the NHS.

Duddon Valley Medical Practice's surgery in Kirkby-in-Furness, near Ulverston, closed at the end of July, with patients being taken on by the group's Broughton and Askam surgeries.

Dr Helen Clayson, who practised at the surgery for 22 years until 2007, has applied to Westmorland and Furness Council to turn the building into a three-bedroom house.

Documents submitted to the authority by planning consultancy firm Stephenson Halliday on Clayson's behalf, said there was no prospect of the building being retained as a surgery.

They said: "The possibility of another GP surgery being allowed to set up in Kirkby-in-Furness would not be permitted by NHS regulations nor would it be viable based on the population of Kirkby-in-Furness."

They added there would be minimal alterations to the building, including new windows, a raised deck area and landscaping.

"The proposal would deliver a new home in a location that is capable of supporting day-to-day living and reducing reliance on longer journeys, consistent with the overall objectives of local and national policy to focus new housing in sustainable settlements," the firm said.

The council is expected to make a decision in due course.

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