Health supercentre rejected

The Primary Care Trust (PCT) proposal for a large new health facility as part of of the redevelopment by the University of the Radcliffe Infirmary site was resoundingly rejected in June by the City Council’s Strategic Development Control Committee, largely on the grounds that this could lead to traffic chaos in Walton Street. They also pointed out that it had not been part of the city’s Local Plan – which had only envisaged a new Jericho Health Centre on this site. When the PCT sold the land to the University it retained an option on a 2.8- acre portion but could only excercise this if it obtained planning permission. This option has now expired. Now the PCT will go back to the University with alternative proposals which at a minimum include a new Jericho Health Centre but perhaps with a few other functions. Meanwhile the University is starting the consultations on the proposals for the whole of the site. Public meetings will probably be held in the autumn with a planning application next year.