CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after a new GP surgery in Brownsover was finally approved.
Around 10,000 Brownsover residents will have been without a local surgery for three years when the new centre opens next summer.
Their local practice closed in April 2015 due to disagreements between the NHS and the medical staff operating it.
But now the NHS Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has secured planning permission for the surgery and community room in Bow Fell – two years behind the original schedule.
A spokesman for the Brownsover Patient Action Group said: “Another milestone reached – and maybe time for a small celebration as our new surgery comes closer to reality.
“We will now be pushing NHS England and NHS property services for a revised timescale for the building work, commissioning and opening of the facility.”
Rugby Borough Council’s communities and homes spokeswoman described the new surgery and community space as a ‘real win-win for Brownsover’.
Coun Emma Crane added: “As the owner of the freehold for the new community space, the council has already consulted with residents about how it can best serve Brownsover.
“Now the development has secured planning permission, we are looking forward to drawing up plans for the facility in readiness for the opening next year.”
David Williams, Locality Director NHS England (West Midlands), said: “We know that the people of Brownsover are eagerly awaiting a new surgery.
“We are committed to ensuring patients have access to local, high-quality GP services and look forward to continuing to work with local residents and our NHS partners as the project progresses.”
Jenni Northcote, Chief Strategy and Primary Care Officer of the Coventry and Rugby CCG, added: “We are committed to continuing to engage with our local community, patients and public throughout this development and look forward to developing our plans with our partners.”
The plans include a new GP surgery, a community facility, associated parking and landscaping. Search ‘R17/0800’ at www.planningportal.rugby.gov.uk for more information.
Tenders will be issued to main contractors on Monday (June 19). Work is scheduled to begin this autumn and complete in late summer 2018.
