MAJOR plans have been submitted to BCP Council for a new private hospital in Poole.
Nuffield Health has formally submitted its planning application to build a 11,606 square metre hospital in Talbot Village on land between the town’s universities and Talbot Heath.
Bosses of the hospital have for some time been looking to relocate its present Bournemouth site, in Lansdowne Road, to Talbot Village.
The application forms part of Talbot Village Trust’s plans for an ‘Innovation Quarter’ – a development dedicated to the creative and digital industries – on the land at Highmoor Farm.
More than 1,300 jobs could be created if the permission is granted and studies suggest that the development could create a boost to the local economy in the region of £97million gross value added (GVA) per annum.
The proposals have been controversial for some residents, with more than 3,600 people signing a petition against the hospital.
Resident Kerry Batcock, who set up the petition, said she didn’t agree with the hospital plans because it would mean taking away the heathland and its wildlife “which people enjoy”.
Read more: Nuffield Health hospital plan on Talbot Village Trust land
The design and access statement said: “Talbot Heath will be protected by the aspiration to transform half of the unviable grazing fields (30 acres) into a Heathland Support Area (HSA), to improve biodiversity of both this land and the adjacent Talbot Heath.
“The Innovation Quarter will be separated from the HSA by a substantial belt of native tree and shrub planning.”
The statement added: “During the evolution of the plans and following the public consultation, concerns and matters raised have been considered in detail and, where possible, addressed proactively within the plans.
Read more: Nuffield hospital plans for Talbot Village 'would benefit community'
“Responses to queries raised during the consultation have been proactively provided to all those people who took part in the public consultation and all locally elected representatives.
“Feedback received during the public engagement period has been analysed and considered.
“Going forward the applicants are committed to continuing to engage with the local community and to work together to resolve concerns as far as possible.”
Nuffield Health director David McNair previously said there would be benefits for “everyone in the community” in constructing a hospital and that it would help relieve some of the pressures on the NHS.
Nick Ashley Cooper, chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: "The Innovation Quarter is a once in a generation opportunity to create a positive transformational impact for BCP and the region.
“The aim is to support the two Universities and provide improved prospects for young people and families to live, work and contribute to the BCP area. The proposals, developed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, are aligned with BCP Council and Dorset LEP’s economic strategy.”
Nuffield Health started in Boscombe 65 years ago and now has 37 hospitals across the country. It has been on its current Bournemouth site since 1993 and employs around 310 people locally.
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