Council paves way for new medical centre

Derby City Council has agreed to make a piece of land available for purchase, which could pave the way for a new GP surgery.

According to council papers, Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has expressed an interest in buying land north of Prince Charles Avenue and south of Hyde Park Road, in Mackworth, to develop a new two-storey medical centre with parking.

A meeting of the city council's cabinet on Wednesday heard there was a "clear and pressing need" for access to healthcare services in the area, with a new facility required to help meet demand.

Councillors agreed to declare the land as surplus, allowing the process to dispose of the site to begin.

According to council documents, the ICB approached the council on behalf of a primary care provider.

The report added: "For the ICB and healthcare provider to commit funds to the project they require some comfort that the land can be acquired, albeit subject to planning and financial viability."

Kathy Kozlowski, cabinet member for governance and finance, outlined the need for more access to healthcare services in the area.

She said: "All GP practices in Mackworth are currently at capacity with patient lists closed, and demand is expected to increase significantly due to the new housing.

"Independent studies have confirmed that existing buildings cannot be adapted and that a new facility is required."

Kozlowski explained the decision to declare the land as surplus to make way for the development does not grant planning permission.

"Any development will be subject to the full planning process, including consultation," she added.

Nadine Peatfield, leader of the city council, described the proposal as "welcome news".

She said it was "well needed and well received".

Alison Martin, cabinet member for health and adult care, said she "could not think of a better use" for the land.

She told the meeting she would meet with the ICB to discuss "what their vision is" for the development.

After agreeing to support the disposal of the land, the council will begin a statutory process regarding the sale of it.

Meanwhile, according to the council report, the ICB and the healthcare provider will "undertake the design process leading to the submission of a planning application whilst seeking to identify funding for the project".

No details regarding the cost of the new medical centre have been revealed.

The ICB has been approached for comment.

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