More talks on plan for hospital conversion (From Thisisdorset)

More talks on plan for hospital conversion

8:06am Saturday 15th September 2007

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A DATE has been set for a special meeting to discuss plans to turn a disused Poundbury factory into a hospital.

The 30-bed private hospital is being lined up for the former Photomatrix Limited photo-processing lab on Paceycombe Way.

Applicant Dr Mark Hughes of Bradford Peverell says the hospital could employ up to 140 people if approved, making it one of the biggest employers in Dorchester.

But people living near to the site have already raised objections and fear it would generate traffic and noise.

Now members of Dorchester Town Council's planning and environment committee meet on Tuesday with the developer, his agent and West Dorset District Council planning officer Andrew Martin to discuss the plan.

Members of the committee called for the meeting earlier this month to enable them to find out more about the proposals because they felt they were unable to comment on the scheme until they did.

The proposed hospital would be similar in size to the existing private Winterbourne Hospital on Herringston Road and would have three surgical operating theatres serving 30 in-patients and day patient services.

A statement supporting the application submitted to West Dorset District Council said that the company operating the hospital would be an 'independent provider offering additional capacity to the public - West Dorset District Hospital - and provide a private sector facility, both for elective surgery.' The statement said that the hospital could expect to have 60 to 80 patients for day surgery each day, with 30 beds for those staying overnight.

The statement went on to say that 83 parking spaces on the site were considered adequate for staff and visitors and public transport was also available.

However, people living near the site have already raised objections, saying the parking would be inadequate and they also fear that proposed use would generate extra traffic in the area.

The meeting in the council chamber of the Corn Exchange starts at 6pm ahead of the policy meeting.

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