London Colney GP surgery development proposals ‘fail to answer resident’s concerns’

Campaign for Colney coordinator Brett Ellis (left) with celebrity Peter Tatchell. (Image: Archant)

Proposals are in the pipeline to construct a new Lattimore and Village Surgery near the Caledon Community Centre on Caledon Road.

The current High Street surgery's lease has expired, which means a new site must be found for the practice to continue.

In the past the surgery operated from two sites in London Colney and St Albans - but the city practice was closed because its lease was also not renewed.

London Colney Parish Council (LCPC) own the land which could be developed, but it said neither the centre or library will close during the development.

Campaign for Colney coordinator Brett Ellis (left) with celebrity Peter Tatchell. (Image: Archant)

The plans are being created by development manger Assura and architect James Totty Partnership.

Practice manager at the current surgery, Denise Wait, said: "With our population growing quickly, our facilities to care for our patients need to keep up with that demand.

"This new building allows us to provide our St Albans and London Colney patients and the wider community with the excellent healthcare services they deserve in a modern purpose-built premise."

Assistant director - premises at the East and North Hertfordshire CCG and Herts Valley CCG, Sue Fogden, said the proposal would be funded through the Estates and Technology Transformation Fund.

Assura said a special exhibition of the proposals will be on display in a drop-in session at the Caledon Community Centre.

If a planning application is approved, Assura expect construction to start by early 2020.

However, the coordinator for Campaign for Colney, Brett Ellis, said the plans "fail to answer a series of resident's concerns" such as developing a green space and parking provision.

He said: "Although it is needed, there are numerous brownfield sites that can be used, we are unsure as to what benefits, if any, building on green spaces at this location will provide, we have no detail regarding size or scope, and the consultation will no doubt prove to be a sham.

"We call on the parish council to give residents detail regarding all the points raised by Campaign for Colney prior to the consultation event and ask that further consultation events are planned to give residents the opportunity to air their views."

In a statement online, LCPC said: "The parish council has agreed to enter into an agreement with the practice to lease a

section of land at the community centre for a new surgery to be developed.

"The surgery has engaged architects to draw up plans. The community centre and library will not be closing and there will be no loss of facilities service at the community centre or library whilst the surgery is being developed.

"More parking spaces will be made available in this development to accommodate users of the new surgery and the community centre."

The exhibition will be at the community centre on September 10 from 2pm to 7pm.