Action group’s anger over delay on surgery plan (From Echo)

Action group’s anger over delay on surgery plan

11:20am Friday 15th January 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(3)

RESIDENTS told of their anger after the council delayed a much-needed doctors’ surgery in Wickford, and accused the authority of “scaremongering” about a mosque being built.

Basildon Council’s planning committee failed to decide whether to give outline planning permission to transform the former Essex Park Garage, on the A132 Golden Jubilee Way, Wickford.

The application, from Brentwood-based company Robert Mulholland, sought permission to build 24 flats and a non-residential building, which could be used as a health centre.

At the meeting, Wickford councillor Malcolm Buck-ley, who is not on the committee, said the application was too vague, and one of the buildings could even be used as a mosque.

Councillors agreed to discuss the application again if the developer gave more details.

However, members of the Wickford Action Group are angry and believe the town desperately needs another surgery.

It would become the new home for the London Road Surgery, which has to move out of its current spot in the town centre.

Alan Ball, action group chairman, said: “It should have been accepted.

“The doctors do want to move there. Their lease runs out in 18 months, so they need a new surgery and fast. To say it will be a mosque is scaremongering.”

Developer Robert Mulho-lland currently has planning permission to build 87 flats on the site.

This was granted on appeal in May last year, after the council rejected the application because of traffic fears as the site is close to the busy A132 and London Road roundabout.

However, the developer has said tough market conditions mean building flats is not a viable option, and it hopes to build health facilities instead.

However Mr Buckley said: “It’s right to defer the decision. This application opens up the site for a whole host of uses, which could range from anything from houses to a mosque.”

The application will be discussed again on February 10.