PLANS to build the long-awaited Thornbury Health Centre have sparked worries about a rise in antisocial behaviour and fears over a potential bottleneck.

A planning application was officially submitted in October to build the two-storey £14.4 million health centre at the old hospital site off Eastland Road.

Avon and Somerset Police has raised concerns over the proposed design of the building – which they say could increase anti-social behaviour.

Meanwhile, neighbours have shared their worries that nearby residential road Prowse Close could become clogged up due to the increase in traffic.

Under the plans, the proposed centre would provide a new home for existing GP surgeries Severn View Family Practice and Streamside Surgery.

In addition, there would also be consulting rooms and office spaces for health services delivered by Sirona Care and Health.

Thornbury Hospital has been vacant since its closure in 2018 and is due to be demolished soon. 

In a statement, a crime prevention design advisor from the police force said they have concerns over the security of the main entrance doors – which could be difficult to secure.

They also have concerns over a proposed refuse store and bike shelter – which are both located near fencing – and could be used as a climbing aid for potential criminals.

They also describe the use of bollard lighting for a proposed cycle link / footpath link as ‘unsafe’ as it would hinder the quality of CCTV images.

“I feel that this application does not provide sufficient detail in some areas, as well as requiring clarification in others to make a suitable decision,” the officer says.

“I judge this application currently to be ‘not acceptable in its current format.’”

An artist's impression of the proposed multi-million Thornbury health centre

Meanwhile, two residents have raised concerns over traffic related safety issues.

“I have some doubts over the safety implications of the new T junction,” one resident said.

“The increased traffic flow of visitors and staff vehicles combined with fairly constant use by Beech House Home together with Prowse Close residents could present a ‘bottleneck’.”

In addition, there are also fears that Prowse Close itself could be used by members of the public as informal overflow parking for the proposed site. .

The application has also received one comment of support from a resident.

“The plans are most welcome but just provide ‘catch up’ and replacement of ‘like for like’,” the resident says.

“The increase in population has long demanded more extensive services and we must see the area better served for the future.”

The application for the proposed health centre was submitted by South Gloucestershire Council in collaboration with the local NHS Integrated Care Board.

Elsewhere, on the same site, there are also ongoing plans to build around 75 extra care apartments for the elderly plus support services - which is being led by SGC.

A senior planning officer from SGC describes the proposed health centre plan as ‘positive’ which makes good use of the site.

However, in a statement, the officer suggests that the application be reviewed by the Design West panel.

In addition, a transport council officer said clarifications are needed over where mobility scooters, motorcycles and mopeds would park at the proposed site.

Lastly, a conservation officer says that a historic stone wall which formed part of the old Thornbury workhouse should be protected and saved from the bulldozer.

It was previously revealed the scheme will be fully funded by the Department of Health, subject to full business case approval.

In a letter, Health Minister Karin Smyth confirmed that £14.4 million worth of funding remains available for ‘allocation’ for the project.

You can view the application for the health centre quoting P24/02333/R3F or see here - tinyurl.com/yudyjs2v

The old Thornbury Hospital is due to be demolished Image: Newsquest