Protesters have come out against plans to open a new medical centre in Belmont.

Neighbours, businesses and councillors fear plans to open a new medical centre and a pharmacy on the site of the old Henderson Hospital in Homeland Drive will have a negative effect on village trade.

The Henderson Hospital site

Almost 200 letters and three petitions against the plans have been sent to Sutton Council ahead of a meeting that will decide the fate of the planning application next week.

Among the concerns raised is the fear that the new pharmacy will take trade away from the existing pharmacy in Belmont, which could have a knock on effect for businesses in the area.

Belmont Traders has handed a petition against the application signed by all 23 businesses in Station Road to the council.

It reads: "As Belmont Traders, we are concerned regards the pharmacy in the proposed medical centre on the site of the Henderson Hospital.  80% of the local chemist’s business is prescriptions through the doctors.  If he loses this business, the shop is likely to close.

"We lost the post office; if we lose the chemist, Belmont will die."

Sutton Council's development control meeting will make a ruling on the application, which is being made by medical developer Assura, at a meeting at Sutton Council's Civic Offices from 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 18.

 

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