A temporary Burntwood health clinic could be in place for another five years, it has emerged.
Planning permission has been sought to retain the facility at Burntwood Leisure Centre.
If it is granted, the health centre would remain open until 2023 – 11 years longer than originally planned.
A statement supporting the application revealed that the failure for a replacement facility to be built means the lifespan of the temporary building needs to be extended.
“Before the previous permission [was granted] in 2014, the former Primary Care Trust (PCT), in consultation with a range of stakeholders, investigated various options for improved primary health provision in Burntwood,” the statement said.
“While outline permission was granted in 2006 for a new health centre on land off Cannock Road, Chase Terrace, the PCT were uncertain whether this would fulfil the heath needs of Burntwood and pending a final decision on the number and location of new health facilities, they obtained planning permission for three years for the current temporary walk in health clinic at Burntwood Leisure Centre site.
“It was envisaged that the health centre services located in the temporary building would transfer to a permanent building around 2012. The building would then be removed from the site.
“The temporary building was subsequently installed and has been in use since that permission and a further temporary permission granted in 2011.
“Although planning permission was granted for a permanent health centre close to the existing temporary facility, that was not built.”
“A permanent location continues to be a priority”
The statement added that there was still hope a long-term location could be secured.
“The plans did not come to fruition and work on the identification of a new permanent location continues to be a priority,” it continued.
“This application is necessary to support the continued delivery of all health services and the temporary use of the facility is an important step in securing a permanent location for the services provided here.”
Full details can be seen on Lichfield District Council’s planning website.
