Plans for a proposed state-of-the-art medical centre have been approved by Calne Town Council's planning committee.

At the town’s Planning and Development meeting yesterday (Wednesday, June 10) the committee voted to approve the recommendation with eight councillors voting in favour and two against.

The proposed new site would replace the existing Patford House Surgery, which has been closed and since Monday, March 23.

Emma Hillier, who lives adjacent to the proposed development on Fynamore Gardens, opposed the development, stating that ‘the development and agents decided not to consult with the neighbouring residents prior to the planning application being submitted’.

She continued: “To simply ask the question, would Calne would benefit from a new medical centre? Is not a good enough argument.

“We’re being told by the developers that the proposed site is available and affordable and suitable.

“It’s affordable because the landowner is making a philanthropic gesture. Would it not be more philanthropic to help financially to acquire a suitable location?”

Concerns within the committee were based on medical centres located outside of the made Neighbourhood Plan and the fears this could open up the town to unwanted development.

Calne mayor, Cllr Robert Merrick said: “After reading the report I’ve swung back and forth many times.

“The town needs it without a doubt, we can’t comment on why it’s been put there, we all have our reservations.”

“With the issue of Wiltshire’s five-year plan at the moment, we may not be able to object.

“It scares me that this could open the door to a lot more development.”

Cllr Alan Hill serious concern over issues relating to public transport and access to the site – proposing an amendment to address these factors.

Supporting the project, Cllr Jon Boaler said that the new site would attract new, long-stay doctors and nurses to the area and that the pedestrian access from the previously rejected application was solved.

“Modern facilities will make Calne a more attractive place to move to,” he said.

“The Neighbourhood Plan does allow exceptions if it does bring significant community benefit.

“Meeting the needs of Patford House’s 9,000 patients and the growing population has to be of significant community benefit.”

The application will now go before Wiltshire Council’s planning department for review.

Commenting on the vote to approve a new Medical Centre on Silver Street in Calne, Cllr Boaler said: “The project also signals to our community that Calne is thinking ahead and moving ahead as we emerge from this pandemic – and that's s a positive message we all need.”