Controversial plans for a new £4.75 million medical centre in Kington went under the spotlight at Herefordshire Council’s planning meeting on Wednesday.
The plans for an out of town centre on Eardisley Road were submitted to the council in February and include a dental surgery, a range of new walk-in services, facilities for mobile scanning, an improved dispensary and free car parking.
However, the proposals have caused disquiet among those who fear that the new location could pose difficulties for those who will have to walk to the surgery.
Opposition has also been voiced by those who fear the new surgery could have an impact on the vitality of the town, where doctors have traditionally been based.
Concerns have been raised at Kington Town Council on the question of access and the possible effect on the town’s chemist.
But positive comments have also been received about the environmental measures that would be included in the development, and the landscaping and ecological features which would be involved.
Strong arguments in favour of the development have been put forward, many believing that with an ageing population it was important to keep the surgery at Kington.
Earlier this year Kington County Councillor Terry James told the town council that he believed there were problems with the application including a lack of information on a number of issues and some contradictory information, which would have to be addressed before it could go before the planning committee for a decision.
The doctor’s practice had hoped that permission would be given in April so building work could start late summer with completion in 2011.
The town council had agreed to support a doctor’s surgery in Kington but would relay its concerns to the county council’s planning committee.