A NEW private hospital on the border of Bournemouth and Poole has been given the green light and is expected to bring 200 jobs to the local economy.

The 30-bed Circle Hospital will be built on land at the Sembcorp water treatment works in Wallisdown after receiving unanimous approval from the Bournemouth planning board. Objection letters were received from Bournemouth residents concerned about traffic congestion, parking problems and the impact on existing landscaping and trees.

Planning board chairman David Kelsey said: “Around 98 per cent of the development is in Poole, but the most important two per cent is in Bournemouth as it is the road leading into the site.

“Local residents wanted clarity about contentious transport issues such as the possibility of congestion on Wallisdown Road.

“The planning board was satisfied with the proposals and it was unanimously approved.”

It has been suggested the new private hospital will create provision for 100 full time and 100 part time staff. The planning application states it will offer patients increased choice by offering non-emergency services in a ‘superb, modern environment’.

A design statement with the application said: “The application is supported by many leading practitioners in the medical community in Poole and Bournemouth, who wish to deliver a better service for their patients.”

The application had already been approved by Poole council planning board and was recommended for approval by planning officer Steve Davis.

Deputy mayor Cllr Phil Stanley- Watts said: “It will be a brilliant employment opportunity and there will be huge improvements to the transport system.”