THE leader of Basildon Council has criticised "red tape" after the NHS pulled out of a long-delayed Laindon housing development.
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board said it had "carefully considered" a move to a new health centre set out in the 205 home plans, but had deemed it "unaffordable", with decision forcing developer Sanctuary Housing to submit revised plans to Basildon Council.
Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, bemoaned an "unnecessary restriction" which he said didn't allow the NHS to pay "realistic market rents" in the south east, adding he would lobby the Government for change.
The Labour councillor acknowledged residents' frustrations over the project, with half-built tower blocks an enduring grievance for residents in the seven years since the project's original architects Swan Housing went under.
Mr Callaghan said: "I know a lot of people are frustrated with how the NHS estate is managed. Despite record levels of funding, they’ve pulled out of the new medical centre at the Laindon shopping centre.
"Twelve months ago I raised concerns about a simple issue whereby the NHS isn’t allowed to pay realistic market rents for modern premises in parts of the south east. That red tape is stopping new facilities being built.
"It’s now clear that this is exactly what’s holding projects like this back.
"That’s not good enough for Laindon residents. I will keep lobbying the Government to change this unnecessary restriction.
"The shopping centre redevelopment is vital for Laindon and for local jobs, small businesses and giving the community the services it deserves.
"So we’re moving quickly with a revised planning application and getting on with building the new shops. We won’t allow bureaucracy to stall regeneration."
Sanctuary Housing said it was "disappointed" the NHS had declined the move to a new health centre set out in the project, but affirmed it was committed to seeing the project through.
David Soothill, director of development at Sanctuary, added Sanctuary were open to "further discussions" with the NHS, but would push ahead without them to avoid a "delay to the overall scheme".
Tom Abell, Chief Executive of NHS Mid and South Essex said the care board was arranging meetings to consider what "possible options are available".
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