Major concerns over "nightmare" traffic problems at Lisburn’s new £40million health hub have been raised by a planning chairman whose committee signed off on its design.
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust opened its new Primary and Community Care Centre (PCCC) in February.
The Lagan Valley Hospital site accommodates seven GPs and multi-disciplinary services as a one stop location for community health.
Planning committee chairperson, DUP Alderman James Tinsley said: "I have just had a meeting with the health hub directors and there is one big issue that is arising.
READ MORE: Lagan Valley health hub parking concerns raised at Council.
"The traffic trying to get out on to the main road from the community care centre, especially between 4.30pm -6pm, it is a nightmare.
"What could we do, to facilitate a meeting with DfI (Department for Infrastructure) Roads Service to try to generate a solution, it will not just go away itself. It seems to be a major issue."
In recent weeks, Lisburn South UUP councillor, Jenny Palmer flagged up her concerns over a lack of carparking spaces for parents and children at the new health facility with the issue to be raised with the Trust.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council's head of planning officer, Conor Hughes respond to the chairperson, added: "I do see an issue with the council meeting with DfI. The new health centre design was signed off with the planning application at this council.
"We considered the traffic at the time going on to main road. The challenge is that the traffic has priority on the main road as opposed to patients coming out of the health centre.
"Visitors may be at the centre at off peak, but the road is busy all the time. The Trust would need to propose any changes to the traffic system itself to DfI, if it wants to affect some change."
The planning committee agreed to "at least highlight the situation with DfI".
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