Plans Shift: Retirement Homes and Dental Surgery Approved

Planners have said a new primary school and doctors surgery at a housing development in Mortimer are 'no longer needed'.

Instead, the developer must give nearly £30,000 towards the additional health impact of more residents to help pay for extra space at the existing Mortimer surgery.

Alternative plans put forward include 32 retirement properties, 17 parking spaces and a playing field for St John's Infant School. The proposals also include a new private dental surgery over two floors with 33 parking spaces.

The application seeks permission to demolish Redwoods south of the infants school to change the land into a playing field for St John's Primary School, and to build 32 sheltered units for the over 55s with associated parking.

"Given that there now appears to be no demand for the new infant school [or indeed the funding] and there is no demand from the local surgery for a new one on the site, as evidenced in the application process, it is appropriate for the council to consider suitable alternative options as presented," says the council.

"The most efficient use of the site is to be encouraged in the community interest.

"The introduction of the dental surgery, whilst a private facility, still remains a medical use for the area and its catchment."

The applicants have submitted a viability review saying the scheme could not proceed if affordable units were included.

In 2019 a proposal for 110 dwellings was approved, including provision of public open space and land for a doctors GP surgery and a three-form infant school.

The latest plans will be discussed at West Berkshire Council's eastern area planning committee next Wednesday (September 2).

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter