Why was a care home approved in Newcastle Great Park despite healthcare concerns?

Planners cited a significant unmet demand for care homes in the city, overriding local worries about existing healthcare deficiencies.

What is the healthcare situation for residents in Newcastle Great Park?

The estate currently lacks a GP surgery, with the nearest walk-in centre located nearly five miles away.

How will the new care home impact local healthcare services in Newcastle?

The developer is contributing £92,000 towards enhancing local healthcare capacity, and NHS bodies are exploring options for new or expanded GP services.

Home / Health / Care Home Approved Amidst Local Healthcare Fears

Care Home Approved Amidst Local Healthcare Fears

15 Dec

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Summary

66-bed care home approved for Newcastle Great Park estate.
Residents concerned over lack of GP surgery and healthcare.
Developer to contribute £92,000 towards local healthcare.

Care Home Approved Amidst Local Healthcare Fears

Plans for a 66-bed residential care home in Newcastle Great Park were approved by councillors, overriding local objections concerning insufficient healthcare infrastructure. Planners cited a "clear unmet demand" for care homes in the city when granting permission for the development, which was originally earmarked for shops.

Residents voiced strong opposition, feeling their community amenities were being sacrificed for housing and commercial developments. The area currently lacks a dedicated GP surgery, with the nearest facility situated nearly five miles away, prompting calls to halt the project until healthcare provisions were secured.

While acknowledging the site's limited accessibility to existing healthcare, council planners highlighted the scheme's benefits. Local NHS bodies are reportedly exploring options for a new GP surgery or expanded capacity in existing practices. The developer is obligated to pay around £92,000 towards improving local healthcare services as part of the approval.