Plans to relocate an under-threat GP surgery in South Cumbria have been given the go-ahead.
The Lake District National Park Authority has approved plans from John and Helga Barr to offer the Oak Bank in Haverthwaite as an interim GP surgery.
Haverthwaite surgery, on land at Backbarrow, received an eviction notice from its landlord and a proposed 65 per cent hike in its rental lease agreement last year.
In October, health bosses approved a bid from the surgery to relocate to a nearby premises following a 1,400-name petition calling on Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board to allow the move.
A report by planning officers said: “A doctors’ surgery is clearly an important facility which brings significant community benefit. Unlike the current surgery which sits in the heart of Backbarrow, the application site stands outside the settlement.
“In this respect the proposed practice is less well located than the existing. However, I am satisfied it is still well related to Backbarrow and Haverthwaite and the location is not unacceptable.”
The Haverthwaithe surgery has nearly 3,000 patients and offers healthcare to people in ‘hard to reach’ areas of western Windermere and Coniston.
The planning statement said: “John and Helga Barr are extremely passionate about the local community and the all important retention of necessary health services for the semi-rural patient population.
“They have offered the practice emergency temporary accommodation at Oak Bank.
“As the commissioner of primary care services for the region, NHS Lancashire, and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board is working with the practice to look at a number of options focusing on ensuring robust services for registered patients both in the immediate short and long term.
“The applicants are working with Haverthwaite Surgery and the board to determine a permanent standalone solution in the grounds of Oak Bank that satisfies Care Quality Commission best practice.
“The board understands the population and geographical characteristics of the area and proactively wants to ensure that the needs of the population are met. Disabled access and parking will be made available by optimising the site as best as can be achieved in the immediate circumstances.”
