Revised designs to make a new healthcare facility and pharmacy even bigger have been given the green light.
West Norfolk Council first granted planning permission for Downham’s Willows Pharmacy to relocate into the old social club on Paradise Road in January this year.
Now, a follow-up application to make the premises even larger than originally planned has been approved.
The new healthcare centre will be housed at the old Downham Market Club
The healthcare centre is expected to improve access for patients, with the original plans saying it will provide three consulting rooms and an automatic 24-hour medication dispenser, and incorporate the NHS’s ‘Pharmacy First’ initiative.
The new application sought permission for the main pharmacy building to be extended beyond its current blueprint.
The two buildings flanking this section will be used for “associated healthcare” – including four consultation rooms, reception, and toilet. This will require a “small extension” to the front of the west building.
Meanwhile, plans for an increased number of treatment rooms mean around 20 new staff members will be needed – more than the ten or 12 stated in the original application.
Downham Town Council has backed the scheme, saying it will “offer a good facility for the people of Downham and make use of the vacant building”.
The borough council approved the expansion last week, stipulating that the premises will only be allowed to open between 8am-7pm from Monday-Saturday and will be closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
The healthcare facility will be privately funded, but will form part of an integrated care system with the NHS.
Downham has three other doctors’ surgeries – The Hollies Surgery, Bridge Street Surgery, and the Howdale Group Practice.