North Tyneside Council's cabinet has decided against selling a section of undeveloped land in Monkseaton to build a new replacement medical centre.
It was proposed a section of the land, located in Newsteads Drive, could be developed into a new facility for Beaumont Park Medical Centre, located on Hepscott Drive. According to a council report, the centre needs to relocate to a larger development with the current site inhibiting service delivery.
The building dates back to 1984 and despite a decade of modernisation and refurbishment, the centre is deemed no longer fit for purpose. However, the development received 42 objections with only four in support.
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Concerns were raised about the loss of green and recreational space for residents which they say could have a negative impact on the community. This is despite the medical centre only proposing to use 0.13 hectares of the whole 0.92 hectare space.
Traffic was cited as an issue by residents with the land being opposite a large supermarket and a popular bus route. Residents also claimed adding a new junction for the facility would be unsafe.
In addition, locals feared construction and operating hours would add to noise already generated by existing traffic and deliveries to the large Sainsbury's opposite.
Deputy mayor Carl Johnson said to the cabinet: “I have taken residents’ comments and concerns on board and with this in mind, considering representations made, I am asking cabinet to not set aside the objections and therefore, not agree to dispose the land at Newsteads Drive.”
Deputy mayor Johnson also pledged the council would “continue to work with the practice, ensuring it gets the support it needs to address the pressure of primary care and the residents' concerns to see a GP.”
Monkseaton North councillor Joe Kirwin said: “I’m absolutely delighted the cabinet took the decision not to sell the land. Residents were overwhelmingly opposed to the sale of the land and their voices were heard loud and clear.”
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