Plans to extend GP surgery in Leamington get go-ahead despite parking concerns

Highway experts at Warwickshire County Council had no objections but a nearby resident wrote to planners suggesting that parking was a problem in the area
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A neighbour’s parking concerns have failed to halt plans to extend a Leamington surgery.

Partners at Croft Medical Centre, in Calder Walk, Sydenham, have been given permission by Warwick District Council to add an extra consulting room and treatment room at the front of the building.

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Highway experts at Warwickshire County Council had no objections but a nearby resident wrote to planners suggesting that parking was a problem in the area.

The Croft Medical Centre in Calder Walk in Sydenham. Photo by Google Street ViewThe Croft Medical Centre in Calder Walk in Sydenham. Photo by Google Street View
The Croft Medical Centre in Calder Walk in Sydenham. Photo by Google Street View

They said: “Car parking provision by the surgery needs to be considered and the access to the reception area by disabled patients.

“The current access is ridiculous for disabled people forcing them to park on the road, endangering themselves to get up the tight ramp provided. They don't use the car park as it is tight to park in and hard to get around.

“Disabled access definitely needs to be easier as the current access is inadequate. The site is being stuffed with more buildings, less parking and less thought to patients’ needs.”

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They added that vehicles of both patients and those making deliveries were poorly parked making it dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.”

In a report for the council, planning officer Lucy Hammond explained that that planning permission had previously been granted for an identical scheme which had since lapsed.

She said: “ To that end, I am satisfied that the principle of development remains acceptable.”

And on the subject of highways and parking she added: “The county highway authority has raised no objection and is satisfied with the information contained within the application submission, as was the case with the first submission, and further, that the additional consulting rooms would not generate such a significant increase in patient trips as to warrant refusal of planning permission on parking grounds.

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“It was also noted that the applicant has, in support of this application, submitted a parking accumulation survey, which demonstrates sufficient capacity is available without the need for additional parking provision.

"Calder Walk is unrestricted in terms of on street parking and the practice is served by a bus route and stops outside the surgery.”