Glebe Surgery approval '˜extremely disappointing'

Artist's impressions of the new Glebe Surgery proposed for Storrington. Picture from Horsham District Council's planning portal SUS-161228-164905001

Horsham District Council’s planning committee (south) approved the plans at a meeting on Tuesday (March 21).

The plans included demolishing the existing Glebe Surgery, off Monastery Lane, and replacing it with a 1,400sqm doctors’ surgery, a 120sqm pharmacy and 59 car parking spaces.

Chairman of the parish council Anna Worthington-Leese said: “The application was contrary to many of the policies in the Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF) and contrary to the emerging neighbourhood plan.

“The Parish Council is extremely disappointed and angry with this decision.

“I feel that both the Parish Council and the residents have been let down very badly by HDC and that this decision has severely weakened the protection said to be provided by the HDPF.

“It sends a message to any developer that if they simply refuse to cooperate, eventually they will get their permission.”

The final plan also south permission for nine new house on the field with 31 associated car parking spaces.

Developers had originally proposed 24 houses but this was reduced after consultation with council planners.

Mrs Worthington-Leese added: “The application was agreed based only on the fact that the proposed surgery will benefit the community.

“It is frustrating therefore, that despite the Planning Officer’s recommendation that it be a condition of approval, the committee failed to secure agreement that the medical facility should be built before or even during construction of the houses.

“I will be seeking assurance from HDC that they will make sure the new medical facility is delivered as soon as is humanly possible and without compromise to the remaining green space.”

Access to the new site has been proposed through an amended access to Monastery Lane.

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