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Healthcare unit gets step closer
Artist's impression of the new mental health inpatient unit at Whyndyke Farm.
FINAL plans for a £40m mental health unit look set to get the go ahead.
The Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust wants to build the facility, which would cater for up to 154 patients, on land at Whyndyke Farm on Preston New Road, Blackpool.
Outline permission is already in place for the unit but more detailed plans are being recommended for approval when they go before Blackpool’s planning committee on Monday.
Residents living close to the site had previously raised concerns about the scheme.
But Clifton ward councillor Adrian Hutton, who represents people living in nearby Mereside, said he believed most of the issues had been ironed out.
He said: “There were concerns the building would detract from the view across the fields but I think the fact it will be lower has helped resolve this.
“I don’t think people are too concerned about the mental health unit, it’s the over-development of the rest of the site with the possibility of 2,000 houses which is of more concern to residents.”
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A report to the committee says the building will be mostly single storey.
It also answers concerns about traffic and wildlife, saying the unit would be reached via the access to the former Graham’s caravan park.
New traffic signals will be installed on Preston New Road with a dedicated right turning lane for traffic coming from the M55 motorway.
Natural England has warned protected species including bat could be affected but suggests bat boxes and bird nesting boxes are included in the design.
The report adds: “The building has been designed to make the most of the site’s elevated position and the views to the east.”
The unit, which will be called The Harbour, will replace ageing facilities at Parkwood at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, as well as wards at Lytham Hospital and Fleetwood Hospital.
Part of the site is also within Fylde Council’s planning jurisdiction, with a report on reserved matters due before its February meeting.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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Comments
There are 9 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Adyj73
Friday, January 20, 2012 at 04:07 PMJust because you're not paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you...spin spin sugar
DannyM
Friday, January 20, 2012 at 03:52 PM"Already being name by locals as “Suicide Farm” Built next to a motorway with motorway bridges, electric pylons at the rear of the unit, and a large marton mere lake a couple of hundred meters away! What could possibly go wrong? " --- as opposed to the current setup that's next to a busy main road, stanley park lake, etc Phil?
baabaa
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 08:27 PM#5 my_beaver i stand corrected i was rushing out and didn't read the story all the way through,,,, will be more careful i future ! but phil d #6 you are so bob on !
phil d
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 06:36 PMFinal plans for a £40m mental health unit look set to get the go ahead on land at Whyndyke Farm on Preston New Road, Blackpool. Already being name by locals as “Suicide Farm” Built next to a motorway with motorway bridges, electric pylons at the rear of the unit, and a large marton mere lake a couple of hundred meters away! What could possibly go wrong?
my_beaver
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 02:09 PMComment removed by moderator
SandgrownUn
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:42 PMNever mind nearby residents raising cocerns it should be the mental health patients that should have concerns being so close to Mereside!!!
HohoKam
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:28 PMSurely mental health patients should be somewhere tranquil, not next to a motorway.
baabaa
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:19 PMhow many of these healthcare centers do we really need? moor park, newton drive, whitegate drive, fleetwood etc etc ,they are popping up all over the place !! anyone would think they are trying to get rid of the good old GP practices ?
fyldecoast
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:58 AMYet more traffic lights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! blackpool the road sign and road change mecca on the fyldecoast.
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