New healthcare facility approved for Downham Market with The Willows pharmacy set to relocate into old social club
A new healthcare facility and pharmacy will be built in Downham after being given the green light.
West Norfolk Council has granted planning permission for the Willows Pharmacy to relocate into the old social club on Paradise Road - which is around three times larger.
The current pharmacy is said to have “insufficient capacity” to deal with the more than 6,500 patients currently registered there.
The new healthcare centre is expected to 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, told the Lynn News that he received more than 600 letters or signatures of support after hosting a number of drop-in sessions to gain public opinion last year.
A report from borough council planning officers said: “The proposal includes some alteration of the existing building, including demolition and a small extension to the front of the principle elevation.
“Amended plans were submitted during the course of the application to lessen the impact on the listed wall to the front of the site.
“These amendments removed the additional vehicular access which was proposed but included a pedestrian access on the western side of the site from Paradise Road and adjacent to Old Brewery Lane.”
It adds: “The proposal is for a pharmacy and associated consulting rooms which will have the impact of bringing customers/clients to the site and therefore the potential for noise and disturbance.
“The previous use at the club, which could be started again would also have had a similar impact.
“The application form states that the pharmacy would be open 8.30am to 6.30pm and this is acceptable in this town centre location.”
Downham Town Council supported the application, stating the pharmacy will be beneficial to residents in an accessible location.
It will be privately funded, but will form part of an integrated care system with the NHS.
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 said there is “inadequate working space” for its eight staff members and roughly 6,600 patients, while there is no parking provision.
Downham has three doctors’ surgeries - The Hollies Surgery, Bridge Street Surgery, and the Howdale Group Practice.
The new pharmacy will no doubt be welcome news for residents concerned about a lack of infrastructure to cope with the amount of new houses being built in the town.
