Expansion at Royton health centre approved

The Royton Medical Practice. Image courtesy of Google Maps

A welcome change is coming to a medical practice in Oldham after councillors greenlit a two-storey extension this week. 

Royton Medical Practice on Chapel Street, Royton, may soon receive three new consulting rooms to expand the existing GP services offer.

The extension also includes a larger reception and waiting area for patients, new toilets for staff and visitors, a staff room and upstairs offices for the day-to-day admin of the practice. 

The application was called in front of Oldham’s planning committee on Wednesday, November 5, as it was submitted by Dr Zahid Chauhan, who is also a councillor for Alexandra Ward. 

The two storey side extension is designed to match the existing building on site and the materials will consist of brick and render to match the existing.

It was recommended for approval by the council’s planning department, and elected members made quick work of the application, unanimously approving the application in little more than five minutes. 

Councillor Josh Charters raised concerns about parking facilities.

The health centre currently has an 18-space car park, which is not due to be expanded as part of the plans. 

Coun Charters said: “I know highways had no objections, but I don’t want it to become a problem in six months’ time when nearby residents can’t find anywhere to park their cars.” 

But public car parks in the vicinity of the doctor’s practice – which sits near the junction of Sandy Lane – were deemed sufficient by highways experts. 

The application received no objections from members of the public.

Like many areas across the UK, Royton has faced difficulties with local GP practices being overwhelmed by growing populations and demand for services. 

Royton Medical Practice provides GP services, as well as family planning, maternity and midwifery services, and surgical procedures.

Its last Ofsted inspection was rated ‘good’ in all areas.

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