£4m health centre plan moves a step forward

A LONG-AWAITED health centre in a South Wales town has moved a step closer to being built.

The £4m scheme earmarked for in Mountain Ash town centre could end up replacing three existing GP surgeries if given the go ahead.

Health bosses claim the two storey building would offer improvements over existing facilities as well as provide a number of community facilities - such as a health education room and facilities for community-based staff.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has recommended the scheme be approved – although its planning committee will make a decision on the scheme later this week.

The application has been lodged by Apollo Capital Projects, on behalf of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

It would replace Cynon Vale Medical Practice on Cardiff Road, Rhos House Surgery on Oxford Street and Hillcrest Medical Centre on Pryce Street.

In the firm’s design and access statement, it said the three current GP surgeries have “insufficient accommodation for their needs” and the Cynon Vale in particular has “no capacity” for more patients which will become an issue with the growth of population in the region.

The health centre development would also include 28 visitor car parking spaces and 11 staff parking spaces with three disabled spaces, a bin store and a bicycle store.

The council planning report said: “The application represents a much needed and long-awaited facility for the residents of Mountain Ash.

“The new health centre is located within a highly sustainable location accessible by the full range of transportation and pedestrian options.”

“The facility will also enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

However, the proposal lies in a flood zone and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said it has “significant concerns” over flooding in the area. But council officers said the applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that they have identified the risks which can be managed.

The site is within the recently designated Mountain Ash Town Centre Regeneration Framework.

It is included along with other projects such as Rhos (Guto) Square, the Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link, the town centre maintenance grant, the community hub and the redevelopment of 1-4 Oxford Street.

If approved, work could start on the site in the next couple of months according to the health board’s timetable.

The council’s planning and development committee will discuss the application on Thursday.