New homes could be built instead of super GP surgery

11 hours ago

Vikki IrwinSuffolk political reporter

The surgery would have become one of the largest in the Ipswich area

Ipswich Borough Council A computer-generated image of what the proposed GP surgery would look like. It is a double-storey building with a large window to its front and glass-panelled front. There are gardens around the building. — The surgery would have become one of the largest in the Ipswich area

Land where a super GP surgery has been planned could now be used for housing, if councillors agree.

NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board has withdrawn plans to build a £7.75m doctors' practice at the former Tooks Bakery site on Old Norwich Road, Ipswich.

The Cardinal Medical Practice, which has 25,000 patients over three sites, was due to relocate into the new building, but is now expected to expand its Norwich Road branch into a next-door pub.

William Patrick, a Reform UK councillor on Ipswich Borough Council, said using the land for housing would be "the final nail in the coffin for our prospects of fixing long-standing GP issues".

The Labour-run authority will meet on Tuesday to discuss changing the use of the site, which would allow new homes to be built.

Councillor Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for housing, said: "The former Tooks Bakery site was previously identified for potential NHS use, but no deliverable healthcare scheme has come forward for that land.

"Ipswich continues to face significant demand for affordable housing, and we believe it is right to explore how this site can help meet that need, while bringing what is currently an unused site back into productive use.

"We recognise that any new development must be carefully considered alongside local infrastructure, including access to healthcare, transport, parking, and other services."

William Patrick, who represents Castle Hill ward, said more housing will force more people into the same "broken" GP surgeries

Contributed William Patrick is standing in a field, with trees and an Oak tree in the background. He is wearing a plaid red pink and maroon shirt. He has a beard and has his arms folded in front of him. — William Patrick, who represents Castle Hill ward, said more housing will force more people into the same "broken" GP surgeries

The trust's decision to axe the plans for the surgery was criticised by residents.

A report to the council said the site could provide "39 flats in two blocks with a mix of one-bed and two-bed flats and six three-bed terraced houses in two blocks".

Patrick, who represents Castle Hill, said: "It is hard not to see this as the final nail in the coffin for our prospects of fixing long-standing GP issues on this side of Ipswich.

"The core problem is demand outstripping supply, yet the surgery promised is being replaced by housing for those who will need medical care the most."

He acknowledged that housing was "vital" but said it needed to be developed in the "right" way.

"Beyond the lack of GPs, there will be serious questions regarding schools, jobs, and the infrastructure to support them. Chasing housing growth without a wider strategy completely fails our residents," he added.

An artist's impression of what the new housing might look like

Ipswich Borough Council A computer-generated image of what the new housing could look like a the site. It is an aerial image of large blue buildings amongst trees and gardens. — An artist's impression of what the new housing might look like

Ian Fisher, a Conservative councillor for Castle Hill, said: "Most residents of north-west Ipswich will be as disappointed as I am that the land is not going to be used for a new GP surgery that is so urgently needed in our area.

"It was an awful decision by the local NHS, and we are yet to see what their alternative plans are. Let's hope the new housing goes to those most in need in our area and something good comes of this."

Ian Fisher said he did not believe the plans were something that should be accepted by the council

John Fairhall/BBC Ian Fisher smiles at the camera outside a GP medical practice. He has short dark hair and wears a blue suit, white shirt and a gold tie. Some bushes can be seen around him outside the GP. — Ian Fisher said he did not believe the plans were something that should be accepted by the council

A spokesperson for NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board said: "Our priority is to ensure local people have access to high-quality primary care from modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.

"We're pleased that construction is now under way on the redevelopment of the former Inkerman pub, which will provide seven new clinical rooms, increase capacity for Cardinal Medical Practice, and improve access to GP services for local patients.

"We look forward to seeing the new facilities open and the benefits they will bring to the local community."