Somerset medical centre pledged for housing development

A new medical centre could be included as part of a proposed housing development on the edge of a town.

GPs and healthcare professionals within Bridgwater would relocate to the new facility under the plans for an unspecified number of homes in North Petherton, between the A38 and M5.

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans said the plans would "unlock potential" for improved local services.

An online public consultation has been launched over the plans.

It comes after previous consultations with residents in April and July in which applicant West of England Developments Ltd agreed to include the medical centre at the site.

The plans also include a new scout and brownie hut, a new cricket pitch at the eastern edge of the site, and enhancements to the existing footpath linking Park Lane to the football club.

North Petherton is currently experiencing significant housing growth, with construction under way on four developments, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Revans, who represents North Petherton, said: "This area is not identified in the Local Plan, but it could potentially get consent because it would deliver a replacement North Petherton health centre and other community facilities for the scouts and sports clubs."

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) identified North Petherton Surgery in September 2020 as one of 14 facilities which would need to expand or relocate in the coming years as a result of rising patient numbers.

A spokesperson for Symphony Healthcare Services, which manages a surgery on Mill Street, said: "Within Somerset, North Petherton surgery is the most under-sized practice with the highest density of patients.

"A new building would help the practice attract and retain clinical and non-clinical staff providing greater sustainability and consistency of care."

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