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Plans to convert old Downham Market social club into new The Willows pharmacy are officially submitted




A new healthcare facility and pharmacy will make “a massive difference” in Downham as the town continues to grow, the team proposing it has said.

The Lynn News first revealed proposals for the Willows Pharmacy to relocate into the old social club on Paradise Road - which is around three times larger - in August.

And now, an official planning application has been submitted for a change of use - with the current pharmacy having “insufficient capacity” to deal with the more than 6,500 patients currently registered there.

Plans to house a new ‘one-stop shop’ pharmacy in the former Downham Market Club have been submitted
Plans to house a new ‘one-stop shop’ pharmacy in the former Downham Market Club have been submitted

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application says the new healthcare centre would improve access for patients, provide three consulting rooms and an automatic 24-hour medication dispenser, and incorporate the NHS’s ‘Pharmacy First’ initiative.

John Stephenson, a Downham-based planning agent acting on behalf of applicant Dr Ardeshir Danesh, recently hosted a number of drop-in sessions to gain public opinion on the plans - and was overwhelmed by the response.

He told the Lynn News that he has received more than 600 letters or signatures of support.

The Willows Pharmacy in Downham is currently housed in the same building as The Hollies Surgery. Picture: Google Maps
The Willows Pharmacy in Downham is currently housed in the same building as The Hollies Surgery. Picture: Google Maps

“It was all very positive, with some very good valid points,” Mr Stephenson said.

“We didn’t have one negative comment. To be honest, it was really joyful - it was brilliant.”

WHAT ARE THE PLANS?

The planning application was officially validated by West Norfolk Council on Tuesday, and a public consultation is expected to open soon.

The club has been vacant for a few years - but could soon be the site of a new healthcare facility
The club has been vacant for a few years - but could soon be the site of a new healthcare facility

The pharmacy would be privately funded, but would form part of an integrated care system with the NHS.

The Downham Market Club closed its doors a few years ago, with staff blaming a smoking ban and the opening of a Wetherspoon pub for a lack of use.

The building has been vacant ever since, but was purchased last year through the Auction House East Anglia by the Willows Pharmacy for £750,000.

The design and access statement says: “The current proposal would allow for the reuse of an existing, redundant town centre building, including its minor extension, general alterations and visual enhancement, on a previously-developed site.

“It is envisaged that the proposal would make a positive contribution to the provision of local healthcare services through improving access to a broader range of tailor-made services.”

A NEED TO GROW

Downham is a growing town, and the Willows Pharmacy itself - which is currently housed within The Hollies Surgery - is said to have “outgrown” its premises.

Planning documents say there is “inadequate working space” for its eight staff members and roughly 6,600 patients, while there is no parking provision.

The new facility would offer some parking for staff, disabled patients and short-term visits to the automatic medication dispenser.

A new footpath enabling access from Old Brewery Lane has also been proposed.

Downham has three doctors’ surgeries - The Hollies Surgery, Bridge Street Surgery, and the Howdale Group Practice.

The new pharmacy could be welcome news for residents concerned about a lack of infrastructure to cope with the amount of new houses being built in the town.

Mr Stephenson says it would serve as a “one-stop shop”, offering a walk-in system where people can be prescribed medication “there and then”.

HOW BIG A DIFFERENCE WOULD IT MAKE?

“It is going to make a massive difference to the way healthcare is delivered,” Mr Stephenson said.

“When you look at any housing development that is proposed, pretty much the first thing objectors will refer to is a lack of infrastructure - and that is absolutely right.

“We have got two huge housing estates being constructed in Downham at the moment, so this is almost preparing for that influx of new residents.

“It all starts to snowball, and all of a sudden towns like Downham become very popular.”

A 226-home development off Bridle Lane is currently under construction, while properties at the likes of Fairfield Road and Railway Road have also been proposed in recent times.

Downham is already facing issues around a lack of healthcare, dental and childcare spaces.

“I believe in this scheme as I am a resident of Downham,” Mr Stephenson added.

“I think this offers an improvement, and a reassurance to residents that their calls for extra infrastructure are not going unheard.”

WHAT NEXT?

Roughly 18 months of preparation have already gone into The Willows planning application, with discussions taking place with the police to discuss security at the social club site.

Now that it has been submitted, a public consultation is expected to kick off in the near future.

The proposals can be viewed on the borough council’s planning portal using the reference number 24/02016/F.

“It is giving the customer a choice. If the GP can’t see them, then they can go to their pharmacy,” Mr Stephenson said.

“The amount of pressure it will take off GPs is extraordinary.

“We want to keep the momentum running, so what we really want is for people to be contacting the council directly with their thoughts.

“That will make councillors and the decision-makers sit back and think that this is what the public wants.”



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