![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2_Vernon-Street-Medical-CentreJPG.jpg\")
Huge plans have been submitted to expand Derby’s Vernon Street Medical Centre(Image: Healthcare Design\/Derby City Council)<\/p>\nIt is claimed no expansion or improvements would create ‘serious risks’ to people’s healthcareHuge plans have been submitted to expand Derby’s Vernon Street Medical Centre(Image: Healthcare Design\/Derby City Council)<\/p>\n
Uncertainty surrounds whether \u201cvital\u201d plans to expand a Derby GP surgery<\/a> can go ahead after a decision was delayed. Permission was sought in the summer for Vernon Street Medical Centre, off Friar Gate, to undergo a \u201ccritical\u201d expansion to help provide healthcare for thousands more residents<\/a>.<\/p>\n Surgery bosses said doing nothing to improve the building will pose \u201cserious risks to both patient safety and access to care\u201d with plans to find a new home not materialising.<\/p>\n Plans include expanding the rear of the building<\/a> and making alterations internally including knocking down walls to create more rooms. The surgery says plans to expand are a response \u201cto the growing patient demand that has significantly outpaced the capacity of the premises\u201d.<\/p>\n Join us on WhatsApp to get the latest news straight to your phone<\/a><\/p>\n However, the surgery is in an 1840s Grade II Listed building and within the Friar Gate conservation area. This, therefore, means Derby City Council will pay particular attention<\/a> to the desirability of preserving the building, its setting and the features which make it special. Due to its listed status, conservation experts are part of the consultation process.<\/p>\n Planning documents by the surgery\u2019s management team said the construction of the nearby \u00a375 million Friar Gate Goods Yard redevelopment<\/a> has prompted \u201crenewed urgency\u201d for the expansion plans to move forward.<\/p>\n It said: \u201cWithout immediate investment and proactive expansion, we face the real possibility of having to close our patient registration list, posing serious risks to both patient safety and access to care. This application represents a critical step to ensure that Vernon Street Medical Centre can continue to meet the health needs of a rapidly growing population.\u201d<\/p>\n It is hoped the expansion will increase clinical capacity from seven to 15 rooms. It adds the development will enable an estimated 230 additional appointments per week \u201cwhich is vital for managing our current and projected patient list\u201d.<\/p>\n An initial target date for a decision to be made was for the end of September. However, this has been delayed due to concerns emerging about the specific plans surrounding its design.<\/p>\n