Offices plan at GP practice approved despite loss of flat
MAJOR changes are coming to a Burton doctor’s surgery after plans were approved.
Gordon Street Surgery will take over the use of a two-bedroom flat above the premises and turn it into offices associated with the surgery.
Dr Brendan O’reilly, who is part of the GP team at the practice, applied to East Staffordshire Borough Council’s planning department for permission to turn the flat into three offices and a kitchen and toilet, which has now been approved.
A report submitted alongside the application by agents Plande said: “It is suggested that the change of use from a self-contained flat to ancillary offices to the existing GP surgery will help the viability and provision of health services to the local population. It is suggested that the use, in principle is and historically has been, suitable for its location and of benefit to the community.”
The current flat will be solely used for the surgery, with administrative functions occurring on the first floor.
No material changes are proposed to the building as part of the change of use application and the hours of operation will be the same as the existing surgery, the application states.
A report from the council’s planning department said: “The change of use would result in the loss of a residential unit of accommodation, however, this was not separate but instead was ancillary to the main GP surgery use, with no outdoor amenity space.
“The loss of the residential unit is considered acceptable.”
East Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group has been contacted by the Burton Mail for further comment.