‘We’re working with to explore a range of potential estates’Daniel Mumby Local Democracy Reporter, Daniel Mumby and Local Democracy Reporter
07:00, 07 Feb 2026
Planned site of 67 Homes on the A358 Furnham Road, seen from Chaffcombe Road(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Somerset health bosses have made no final decision on whether a former factory in Chard could be turned into a new NHS hub.
Oscar Mayer closed its factory on the A358 Furnham Road in Chard in August 2021 at a cost of 860 jobs, with the company arguing it was too expensive to modernise the existing buildings within the site.
As part of its 10-year plan for the NHS, the government is encouraging new ‘health hubs’ to be set up in or near town centres, enabling a wider range of health facilities to be offered in one place and taking the pressure off acute hospitals.
The NHS Somerset integrated care board – which decides how Somerset’s health resources are allocated – has said discussions are ongoing about the future of primary care services in the town, including the two GP surgeries operated by Ariel Healthcare and the urgent treatment centre (formerly known as the minor injuries unit) off the A30 Crewkerne Road.
NHS Somerset published its infrastructure strategy in September 2024, identifying which buildings across the county will need to be improved to meet the growing and changing needs of Somerset residents.
As part of this review, 28 individual buildings (or elements of wider complexes) were singled out as being “poor quality”, with NHS guidance stating these sites “should be phased out when alternative estate is available”.
Two Chard facilities were included in the “poor quality” or “tail” category: the Chard Community Hospital (which includes the urgent treatment centre) and the Essex House Medical Centre (which has been closed completely since March 2025, with services relocating to the former Springmead Surgery site on Summerfields Road).
Revised plans for 67 homes on the A358 Furnham Road in Chard(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
NHS Somerset said that no final decision had been taken about the future of either building, or whether the Oscar Mayer site could be re-purposed as a new health hub.
A spokesperson said: “We are currently working with local partners to explore a range of potential estates options across Somerset, in line with the NHS ten-year health plan.
“Nationally, the expectation is that most neighbourhood health centres will be developed through better use of existing NHS or public estate, rather than relying on new-build facilities.
“No decisions have been made about the development of a neighbourhood health centre in Chard.
“We are aware of ongoing discussions locally about primary care premises in the town, and these will be considered through established NHS processes, alongside other priorities across Somerset.
Plans for 230 homes on the A30 Crewkerne Road in Chard(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
“Any future investment decisions will be based on population need, service sustainability, value for money, and the availability of capital funding.”
Chard is expected to see significant housing in the coming years, with several sizeable housing developments either being approved by councillors or at a late stage of public consultation before such a decision is taken.
Most recently, Somerset Council’s planning committee south approved revised plans for 230 homes on the A30 Crewkerne Road, less than a mile from the community hospital.
Additional housing is expected to be provided in the coming years within the Chard eastern development area (CEDA), with Summerfield Developments finalising the legal agreements over 94 homes on the A358 Tatworth Road and Persimmon Homes South West pushing for a ruling on plans for 236 homes and a new roundabout immediately to the south of the Summerfield site.
A further 295 homes, along with a new stadium for Chard Town Football Club, will be delivered on Thorndun Park Drive, with plans being approved by councillors in November 2024.
Plans are also being considered for an additional 67 homes between Furnham Road and Chaffcombe Road, north of the recently completed Gillingham Grange care home – a development which would safeguard land for a section of the long-discussed Chard eastern relief road (ERR).
NHS Somerset said it was keen to work with local people to establish what health services were most needed in the town and the best way in which these could be delivered.
A spokesperson said: “More broadly, we are keen to work with local communities, including people in Chard, to rethink and develop a broader approach to community services.
“This is about using community resources, including community hospitals, in a way to allow the best possible local delivery of care.
“This could include local access to chemotherapy, or more X-rays or more outpatient clinics in community settings.
“We want to get better outcomes with the resources that are available to our local communities.”