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.