|
This web site provides a one-stop-shop for the background to, and current status of, primary healthcare provision at Upper Lighthorne. In 2016, against significant local opposition, Stratford District Council (SDC) propose the development of 3,000 new houses at Upper Lighthorne, referred to then as Gaydon & Lighthorne Heath. This new settlement formed a major part of SDC's Core Strategy, which was eventually approved by a Planning Inspector after a series of public reviews. |
As one of SDC's flagship projects the aspirations are described in this Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
On page 7 of the SPD it refers to existing neighbouring GP surgeries and states:
It is important to note that any available capacity at these surgeries will be absorbed by other developments already having the benefit of planning permission.On page 95 it goes on to say:
New capacity for health care is important given the known constraints on existing GP surgeries in the area. Prior to the first 500 properties being completed, additional general practitioner capacity is to be established on the site in a form to be agreed with the relevant health service organisations as part of the application process.
This clearly sets an expectation of a GP service in Upper Lighthorne, acknowledging the pressures on existing GP practices in surrounding settlements. After such considerable levels of strategic planning the community reasonably assumed that the aspirations embodied in this SPD would be delivered.
In May 2022 councillors from both Upper Lighthorne Parish Council and Lighthorne Parish Council were contacted by GB Partners, a consultancy engaged by the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), as part of the ICB's stakeholder engagement. The ICB have a statutory responsibility for primary healthcare provision. We were sent a report setting out three options for primary healthcare at Upper Lighthorne. It was alarming to note that one of those options was to have zero primary healthcare provision in Upper Lighthorne itself, instead relying on existing GP practices absorbing the new patient load, directly contradicting the assertions in SDC's SPD.
It was clear that the impact of this option would be detrimental both to the residents of Upper Lighthorne, and to those relying on existing GP services. Affected parishes were contacted, an initial meeting convened, and a Statement of Objectives agreed. There are now 24 parishes signed up to these objectives; collective efforts to ensure proper provision of primary healthcare continue.
Please go to the History page for a better understanding of where we started and the journey we are on, and the Status page to see where we are now.