History

 ● July 2016

SDC publish their SPD promoting a new settlement of 3,000 houses at GLH. This references the capacity of existing local GP surgeries being absorbed by developments other than GLH.

 ● 14/12/2017

Outline planning consent granted for 2,000 houses at GLH under planning application 15/00976/OUT. Section 106 developer contributions include provision for a temporary health facility while a permanent facility is developed.

 ● 20/02/2019

The CCG, later to become the ICB, in November 2018 inform SDC that a temporary health facility will not be required. Having been informed of this SDC is obliged to lift the S106 obligation on the developer, as notified in this letter. SDC is not required to inform statutory consultees of this change and so parishes are not alerted. This information emerges during 2022 following enquiries to SDC.

 ● 31/03/2020

Outline planning consent granted for a further 1,000 houses at GLH under planning application 15/04200/OUT.

 ● 11/05/2022

Cllrs Smith (LPC) and Hedger (ULPC) are contacted by GBP on behalf of the ICB as part of the ICB's stakeholder engagement. In correspondence with GBP it becomes apparent that one of three options being considered by the ICB is to not make any primary healthcare provision in Upper Lighthorne at all, instead using developer contributions to invest in the closest existing GP surgeries. Recognising the significance of this Cllrs Smith & Hedger set about contacting as many affected parish councils as possible.

 ● 19/06/2022

A joint Statement of Objectives is drafted and adopted by several parish councils (24 as of July 2023). Intensive lobbying of SDC, the ICB, and developer representatives begins. Local GP surgeries are contacted to ascertain disposition towards providing a service at Upper Lighthorne. The parishes agree to cooperate with GBP with the aim of ensuring a statistically relevant number of responses to GBP's stakeholder survey.

 ● 23/01/2023

SDC hosts a meeting at Elizabeth House involving parish representatives, ward member district and county councillors, the Deputy Chief Executive, planning officers, MP Sir Jeremy Wright, and representatives from the ICB. At this meeting the ICB announce that following their stakeholder consultation they will pursue the option of a dedicated primary healthcare facility at Upper Lighthorne, with all available developer contributions being allocated for this purpose. However, the ICB decline to issue the Primary Healthcare Facility Notice required in the S106 agreement, thought to be the binding step which will legally oblige them to follow through. A trigger point of 725 first occupations of new dwellings will compel a decision on whether land for a permanent health facility will be required. However, there is nothing to stop the ICB issuing the notices earlier, and indeed this would be welcomed by and helpful to all other parties.

At this meeting the ICB was asked why they notified SDC that a temporary health facility will not be required. The initial response was that this was a decision made by the CCG not the ICB, and it would not be revisited. When pushed the ICB simply stated that a temporary health facility was not viable, S106 provisions notwithstanding. Subsequently, on 30th March 2023, the ICB sent this letter to Cllr Smith following further written enquiry seeking an explanantion for dispensing with a temporary health facility.

An SDC officer produced these notes from the meeting. GBP produced this report to inform the ICB's decision. The then Interim Director of Estates for the ICB, produced this report to the ICB for their consideration ahead of their decision. A press statement was prepared by the parishes and released to local media following this meeting. It was picked up by the local press, including this article in The Stratford Observer.

The focus of lobbying turns to the appointment by the ICB of a GP practice as soon as possible, so that engagement regarding the provision of a temporary GP service can commence. Those GP practices already contacted have expressed a willingness to explore this if selected. Developer representatives for CEG and Homes England similarly express a willingness to support a temporary GP service despite that obligation having been lifted from them.

 ● 02/06/2023

The ICB notify SDC that a Prior Information Notice, which starts the GP procurement process, will be issued during the following week. Correspondence with the Interim Estates Director continues as he is proactive and helpful. However, he is on a six month contract and the ICB have given him no assurance that this will be extended. SDC are encouraged to write to the ICB to ask them to renew the Interim Estates Director's contract. It is believed that this was done.

 ● 23/06/2023

SDC meets again with the ICB, along with the Deputy Leader of SDC and Sir Jeremy Wright, MP. The ICB state that expressions of interest for running the UL health facility have been sought, with responses required by 7th July 2023. The ICB further state that based on responses they aim to appoint a GP practice by 30th October 2023. The ICB do not renew the Interim Estates Director's contract. No engagement has taken place with his successor.

 ● 20/07/2023

Graham Black of Tandem Projects is commissioned by SDC to produce a report on the feasibility of various options for the village hub at Upper Lighthorne, exploring the combination of available S106 allocations to create a shared community facility. Cllr Mills and former Cllr Smith meet with Mr Black on 24th July to ensure that he is fully briefed on the aspirations of the affected parishes.

 ● August 2023

It becomes apparent that the ICB's procurement of a GP practice is not progressing. On enquiry from SDC they claim to need more information from SDC, although they have not hitherto made this clear. Lobbying of SDC and our MP is stepped up as a consequence.

 ● 20/10/2023

Another meeting is held between SDC, the ICB, and our MP. From this comes reconfirmation of the ICB's commitment to a medical facility at Upper Lighthorne, possibly now as part of a larger community facility. The GP procurement process has been extended, but reassurances are given by the ICB that this will not extend beyond S106 trigger points.

 ● 03/11/2023

The ICB appear before SDC's Overview & Scrutiny Committee. A recording of this can be viewed here. Committee members were briefed beforehand on the situation at Upper Lighthorne but unfortunately the time available was taken up with discussion on the Ellen Badger facility at Shipston. Nevertheless, the video recording is instructive.

 ● 23/11/2023

Another meeting is held between SDC, the ICB, and our MP. They review the Tandem Projects report, which is to be presented as a joint initiative between SDC and the ICB. This report to be reviewed by SDC's Cabinet at their meeting on 15th January 2024. Adoption at that meeting should clear the way for the ICB to similarly adopt and to finally get their GP procurement for Upper Lighthorne fully underway. Work continues on a Village Centre Design Masterplan, on the basis of a joint facility for health and the police.

 ● 12/01/2024

Cllrs Rock, Coles, Parry, Mills, Gosling, and former Cllr Smith meet with the Deputy Chief Executive of SDC at Elizabeth House. Concerns are expressed over the apparent lack of progress with GP procurement, referencing the 3rd objective in the Statement of Objectives. SDC expect the ICB to adopt the Tandem Projects report imminently and thereafter expedite the GP procurement process.

 ● 15/01/2024

SDC's Cabinet vote to adopt the Tandem Projects report. The agenda and meeting papers, including the Tandem Projects report, can be accessed here. You can watch a recording of the meeting here. Several concerns are expressed by cabinet members over the timescale for delivery, but no questions are asked about the lack of a temporary GP service.

 ● 25/01/2024

The ICB's Primary Care Group was due to consider the Tandem Projects report on the 24th January. Information on the Primary Care Group appears to be absent from the ICB web site. Through GP contacts it is known that some GP practices have recently received a second invitation from the ICB to express interest, followed by questions on provider ability, responses required by 20th February. It looks like something is now happening.

 ● 09/04/2024

SDC confirm that a contract has been offered to a GP practice to run a permanent facility at Upper Lighthorne, subject to ratification by the ICB Procurement Panel and Finance & Performance Committee, which is due to happen on 1st May. A formal confirmation is expected at a meeting between SDC, the ICB and Sir Jeremy Wright, scheduled for the 3rd May.

 ● 03/05/2024

The ICB confirm to SDC and Sir Jeremy Wright that the contract has been awarded to St Wulfstan Surgery, Southam. The ICB remain opposed to the provision of a temporary GP service at Upper Lighthorne. We are now engaged with St Wulfstan to agree the best way forward for the affected communities.

 ● 17/05/2024

St Wulfstan attend a meeting of the Upper Lighthorne Support Partnership. GP provision at Upper Lighthorne is discussed. That agenda item is led by Tony Perks and minuted as follows:
St Wulfstan is the GP partner and great to have them at the meeting. SDC are currently still out to tender for the building designer and expecting tenders should be returned by the end of next week with a view to starting work on the design from the 1st of July 24. A meeting with Emma Hills has taken place regarding involvement with the community on the design of the hub. This will be a single building to support efficiencies. The plot for the building is being identified. SDC has been working with CEG, Homes England & St Wulfstan to see if there can be a GP presence on site early now there is a long-term solution. Maggie H advised there is a strong argument for a temporary GP surgery which was supported by Tony P and Lindsay W who have had exploratory conversations to address any potential challenges in realising this. Chris M noted Andy S's ongoing work & driving of this to get us where we are with it.

 ● 31/10/2024

Tony Perks meets with community representatives at the Avon Valley Bowls Club, and reports:

• Architects are engaged for the community hub. A public consultation is expected at some point.
• SDC are actively pursuing a mid-term location for a temporary GP service to bridge the gap until the permanent facility is ready. At this point the outlook is for delivery in 2027. In a significant 180° about turn, the ICB now support this initiative, having previously been steadfastly against. It would appear that our lobbying, and the support from our MP and district councillors, has had an impact.

 ● 12/12/2024

A Teams call takes place between SDC, the ICB, our MP, and parish council representatives.

There is progress on the mid-term temporary GP service. The original obligation on CEG to support this service was lifted by the CCG. Homes England have never been under any obligation to support a temporary GP service, yet it is Homes England who have stepped up with a plan to make one or two retail units available for this purpose. Planning application 24/01668/AMD will grant a change of use for this purpose.

Contruction will hopefully begin during Spring 2025, and is expected to take a year to deliver. Apparently there is also interest from a dentist. Pharmacy arrangements are yet to be agreed.

 ● 04/02/2025

Assurances are sought from SDC and Homes England on time scales. The target remains to begin construction in Spring 2025 and delivery of a service a year later. Planning obstacles remain but are being vigorously pursued. Planning application 23/01706/REM is apparently key, and needs to be approved by the end of March for delivery to remain on schedule.

 ● 27/09/2025

After a significant time with no visible progress, 23/01706/REM was eventually approved, and so lobbying to secure an update was intensified. This was rewarded with a constructive meeting with representatives from SDC and Homes England, as well as Community Champion Emma Hills and Cllr Chris Mills.

Disappointingly, but unsurprisingly, the anticipated delivery date for the temporary GP service has slipped again, but the information shared with us was positive, with no significant barriers remaining. We are not yet able to share the new anticipated delivery date, but it is clear that it will be significantly ahead of the permanent facility. The new anticipated date will be shared just as soon as clearance is obtained.

 ● 06/10/2025

At a SDC Cabinet meeting Tony Perks confirmed that the temporary health facility should come online by the end of 2026.

It is important to note that the original obligation on the CEG Group was to provide a temporary health service by the time 100 new houses had been occupied. The ICB, then known as the CCG, told SDC that they would not require a temporary facility. Had they not taken this path then patients would by now be able to book an appointment with their GP and not need to leave Upper Lighthorne to see their doctor.

It has fallen to SDC (under pressure from local parishes) to work in unison with Homes England (who have never been under any obligation) to resurrect the temporary facility, which now looks like it will be delivered well before the permanent facility is available.

 ● Christmas 2025

Not much new to report since the October 2025 update. However, some background information my be useful.

To help locate the site of the proposed temporary GP Surgery, first take a look at the Homes England Location Plan to get your bearings, then home in to the Homes England Boundary Treatments Plan, where the proposed site can be seen at the bottom right, and finally the Homes England Proposed Site Plan, on which you can see two retail units that will be adapted for use as a temporary GP Surgery. My thanks to Ragu Sittambalam of Homes England for directions to these plans, harvested from planning applications 24/01668/AMD and 23/01706/REM

Clearly those living on the adjacent developments will have great access, whereas those in the CEG part of Upper Lighthorne will have a bit further to walk. Once the permanent facility is up and running the position will be reversed. However, hopefully most people in Upper Lighthorne Parish will find their GP within walking distance, and people in Lighthorne, Gaydon, Chesterton, Temple Herdewyke, and other close settlements will have a new, hopefully more convenient option.

 ● 18/02/2026

In a very welcome development the newly formed Upper Lighthorne Residents Association (ULRA) have joined the lobbying effort. For those on Facebook The ULRA have a page.

The ULRA has just secured this update from jointly SDC, The Integrated Care Board of the NHS, and The Police & Crime Commissioner.

This update confirms the timescale for the temporary GP service previously reported here, but also speaks of further delays to a permanent facility. This only goes to reinforce how important it has always been to robustly maintain pressure to deliver the temporary GP service that was orginally an obligation, but mysteriously removed by the ICB.

By working closely with the ULRA I hope that this pressure can not only be maintained, but will be intensified. We will collectively continue to monitor the situation closely.