Plans submitted for long-awaited Didcot GP surgery

New plans for a long-awaited GP surgery on an estate in Didcot have been submitted.

Residents began to move on to Great Western Park more than 12 years ago, but health facilities promised in the original proposals have still not been built.

The area's MP said an amended planning application submitted this week was a "significant step forward".

The Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) said it was looking forward to the "project progressing as quickly as possible for the benefit for residents."

The lack of a new facility has caused pressure on other healthcare providers in the town, and one GP said her surgery was "bursting at the seams".

Ian Snowdon, a Conservative councillor in the town, said: "This is a hugely delayed piece of infrastructure for Didcot.

"With Didcot taking so many new houses, a lot of these residents arrive and when they try to register with a healthcare provider in Didcot they're simply refused because there's no room."

Olly Glover, the Liberal Democrat MP who represents Didcot & Wantage, said that the facility was "desperately needed".

"It's been a long wait, but I'm pleased to see the Integrated Care Board has submitted their detailed planning application," he said

"This a significant step forward in the plan to get a GP surgery on Didcot Great Western Park."

BOB ICB has previously said, pending approval, work could start by the end of this year.

It blamed delays on the fact that multiple agencies - including NHS England and Vale of White Horse District Council - were involved, as well as legal complexities and economic challenges.

A consultation on the plan is open until 27 February.

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