Biggleswade health centre plan is rejected

AN appeal over a rejected planning application for a new health centre, allotments and sports facilities has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

The Inspectorate announced on Monday (October 31) that it had rejected the appeal from Biggleswade Town Council for the development on land to the east of Saxon Drive.

Central Bedfordshire Council had previously turned down the application, which included sports pitches and an accompanying pavilion.

In his concluding report appointed inspector Tim Wood admits that there is a need for additional healthcare facilities in Biggleswade.

But the adverse affect that the development could have on the open countryside and on biodiversity would overshadow the benefits that a new health centre would bring, he concludes.

Biggleswade mayor Councillor Tim Woodward said: “We are obviously disappointed, especially as the two current health centres are full or close to being full to capacity.

“In terms of developing the town, the east is also the only part which we can realistically build on.”

Councillor Ken Matthews, executive member for strategic planning and economic development at Central Beds Council, said: “The Inspectorate agreed with our development management committee’s recommendations when they considered the application earlier in the year, stating that the Town Council did not demonstrate an overriding case to site a health centre on land outside of the ‘settlement envelope’ built up area of Biggleswade.

“The Inspectorate also highlighted the need for more environmental survey work on biodiversity and protected species, before any development is allowed in the area.”

An NHS Bedfordshire spokesperson said: “The PCT and the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group will continue to support the two GP practices and work with Central Bedfordshire Council in finding suitable premises to meet the health needs of local residents.”