Health hub in Northwood Road, Broadstairs approved

Broadstairs: A new health hub is on its way! It’s been given the thumbs up, even with some worries about parking. This facility is set to serve around 7,000 patients and will offer up to 60,000 appointments each year over the next five years.

It’ll be located in a former university building on Westwood Road. The planning committee met last night and everyone voted in favor of it. That’s a big win for the community!

Now, there were some concerns from KCC Highways about parking. They think the 59 spaces planned won’t be enough and that cars might end up spilling onto busy roads nearby. But the council is working on a travel management plan to address these issues before the hub opens.

Once it’s up and running, folks can expect a GP surgery, same-day access to primary care, and various community services. It’s going to be a real boost for local healthcare!

Some council members, like Cllr Steve Albon, are really excited about this hub. He mentioned how important it is for the community and how it’s great to see an empty building being put to good use.

There were some objections, though. KCC Highways pointed out that without enough parking, patients might have to park far away, which could be dangerous. Cllr Albon also noted that parents dropping off kids at a nearby school add to the traffic situation.

Polly Billington, the local MP, backed the hub and called the parking concerns “spurious.” She suggested that a barrier could help manage traffic better. Other council members echoed the need for safe crossing points for pedestrians.

While everyone agrees the hub is needed, the parking issue is a big deal. Cllr Mike Garner highlighted how busy the area is, especially with fast-food places nearby. They all want to make sure the travel plan is solid before moving forward.

In the end, the committee voted to approve the application, but only after a legal agreement for the travel plan is submitted. It’s a step in the right direction for Broadstairs!