Plans to build a new operating theatre at Royal Preston Hospital go before the city’s planning committee today.
AdvertisementSharoe Green councillor Margaret McManus called for the hospital proposal to be called-in due to parking issues in the local area.
The NHS want to build a new vascular hybrid operating theatre, an extension of the main hospital building.
A statement from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust says they want to provide a specialist vascular service in recognition of the world class vascular expertise already within the Trust.
It would see an area currently used for car parking reduced in size, so 28 parking spaces are removed.
34 objections to the plans have been received, stating there would be worse traffic congestion around the hospital due to the new building.
The plans show the new building would lead to an additional 19 extra staff parking spaces needed.
A second planning application for an extension of a 28-bed critical care ward would also add pressure to parking on the site.
Hospital bosses have said there will be a number of parking initiatives put into place to ease the pressure on parking at the Fulwood hospital:
– Operating a park and ride service between 6.30am and 11.15pm between the Preston Healthport site, with 90 spaces, and Royal Preston Hospital
– Submitting a planning application for a decked car park at the hospital
– Using spare spaces at the hospital’s education centre
Lancashire County Council’s highways department has yet to submit its findings.
Planning officers at the city council have recommended the plans for approval.
The plans will be heard at the planning committee from 10am today at the Town Hall.
Do you live in the area? Do you work at the hospital? What do you think of the proposal? Let us know in the comments below
Image credit to Paul Melling