Community hospital plan approved

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PLANS to build a community hospital in the heart of Grays have gained Thurrock Council’s approval despite reservations over its location.

Members of Thurrock Council’s Planning Committee approved the plan but some raised questions over its location in Hogg Lane, Grays on the site that the Ford Rates dealership currently occupies.

The New Generation Community Hospital will be up to 12,000 square metres rising up to four storeys in height and will include Royal Mail Delivery offices and T.A Cadet accommodation.

The proposal also includes 175 car parking spaces for the hospital and 92 spaces for cars at the Royal Mail offices and space for 26 operational vehicles.

Access would also be improved as part of the proposal.

Councillor Barrie Lawrence said: “I’m not entirely sure its the right place but we can only deal with the application that is in front of us. The facility is well needed.

Vice Chair of the Committee, Councillor Barry Palmer, welcomed any increase in medical and health care in the heart of the town centre.

Councillor Andy Smith said: “I think this is a wonderful thing to happen in our borough. We have to congratulate the development corporation.”

Councillor Steve Veryard added: “The need for this facility in Thurrock is so great. We’ve got all theses houses put on us by the development corporation it’s about time they gave us some infrastructure.”

The Planning Committee approved the application which will now go before development corporation planners.