Plans to build new dental and GP centre in Minchinhampton get the green light
Plans to build a new dental and GP centre in Minchinhampton have been given the green light.
Stroud County Council has granted permission for Minchinhampton Surgery to build a new facility, which will house a combined GP and dental practice. The centre will cater for more than 8,000 patients living in the same catchment area as the existing surgery in the town centre.
Plans to create the new health centre have provoked fierce debate as the new location is on a greenfield site. Some councillors, including Chloe Green, found it difficult to discuss the proposal. There is an obvious need for improved health and dental facilities in the town, but the location of the site is “highly sensitive.” Ms Green said that she would have rejected the application had there not been efforts to promote sustainability.
Some residents objected to the plans because they would have to drive to the new site, rather than being able to walk to the surgery, as they do currently. One resident argued that it would have been better to redevelop the current site in the town centre than building on a greenfield site out of town.
The argument for relocating was to create a larger, purpose-built space, which would provide thousands of local patients with access to GP and dental services under one roof.
Despite the objections and controversies, councillors have now voted in favour of the development and work will start soon.
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