Plans for new Storrington doctors' surgery submitted

Developers are looking for permission to demolish the existing Glebe Surgery and to build a replacement, including a pharmacy, car parking, and 24 new homes, of which eight would be affordable, off Monastery Lane. The 25-year old-surgery has struggled to find available space to manage thousands of extra patients since a neighbouring practice, Mill Stream Medical Centre, was closed by NHS England in May 2014. Back in April the County Times revealed that the Diocese of Chichester said it would provide Glebe Surgery with the land it requires for a multi-million pound medical centre, subject to planning approval being received for a wider scheme on the adjacent Glebe Field including new homes and public open space. The proposal would retain the existing access off Monastery Lane, with an area of public open space in the eastern part of the site. When the scheme was first mooted, Storrington and Sullington Parish Council’s leader wrote to the County Times to oppose the loss of Glebe Field. Anna Worthington-Leese said: “It is the view of the parish council that, whilst we wholeheartedly support expanded medical facilities, we do not believe this is the correct location for them and we are not prepared to sacrifice the last green space within the village unnecessarily.” Dr Keir Newsom, senior partner at the Glebe Surgery, said in April: “The glebe land would allow us to develop a fit-for-purpose medical centre which fits with the Governmental five-year forward plan, which is to provide as many services as possible within the community to avoid patients having to go to hospital. “The potential is huge – a centre of excellence for the community to be proud of. We would be able to expand minor surgery and provide services such as near patient medical imaging, clinics such as cardiology or rheumatology to name but a few and potentially a hub for community health and social care services. The application’s design and access statement reads: “The aim of the layout is to create an attractive residential environment, which is compatible with the surrounding area, but has its own architectural character and identity, within a landscaped setting.” It continues: “The application site is owned by the Diocese of Chichester, except the northern most part which is occupied and owned by the existing Glebe Surgery. “In order for a new and enlarged doctors surgery to be delivered, the facility and its associated parking would need to extend into land under the ownership of the Diocese. “Through much deliberation, the Diocese have kindly offered to release the land required for the new doctors surgery for a nominal fee. “However, this gesture is on the basis that new housing is to be delivered on site. Therefore, the new surgery required by the local community is reliant on the delivery of new housing coming forward on the site. “The area of the existing site which is proposed to be developed is currently private land. This is not open space used for amenity or recreation. The section of the site which is currently accessible to the public would be retained.” To comment on the application visit www.horsham.gov.uk/planning using code DC/16/2108. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on. 1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk 2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes 3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes 4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out! The County Times – always the first with your local news. Be part of it.