Thanet District Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to give outline planning permission to the long-awaited Thanet Health Campus, delivering a 'once-in-a-generation' project for the local area by Quinn Estates.
Quinn Estates is a UK-based mixed-use developer and the landmark development is Quinn Estates's first in Thanet.
The decision follows the submission of an outline planning application in December 2023 for the entire New Haine Road site. A detailed planning application for the new medical centre is expected to be submitted later this year.
The planning application was praised by Thanet District Council’s planning committee for being 'superbly put together' and 'well-thought-out' delivering 'multiple benefits' to the local community.
The decision follows the submission of an outline planning application in December 2023 for the entire New Haine Road site.
Thanet Health Campus will include up to 9,253 sqm of commercial floor space as well as a comprehensive range of primary care-based services in purpose-built new premises.
Other elements of the scheme include an 80-bed care home, a 70-flat extra care facility, and a children’s nursery.
Mark Quinn, CEO and Chairman of Quinn Estates said: "We are excited to gain planning permission for Thanet Health Campus, which marks our first development in Thanet. Not only will this be an exemplary health campus that will enhance the healthcare provision for local people, it also represents significant employment opportunities. Alongside the jobs created by the medical campus, there will also be a significant boost in employment from the commercial element of the scheme."
"We’re also extremely proud that the scheme is 100% affordable housing, including an extra care facility for the most vulnerable members of the community. Quinn Estates is looking forward to bringing forward this project and making a real difference to the people of Thanet," Quinn concluded.
A detailed planning application for the new medical centre is expected to be submitted later this year.
The plans to move The Grange Practice from its existing site in Ramsgate to a new, larger purpose-built building at the health campus site off New Haine Road near Westwood Cross will provide a major boost to the area’s primary health provision, meeting the needs of a growing population.
Julie Hill, Practice Manager for The Grange Practice, said: "We are absolutely delighted by the decision to approve the Health Campus. Our primary problem as a surgery currently is that we have simply run out of space to serve the needs of our patients and ensure we continue to be able to care for an increasing population."
"We will be able to employ more GPs and nurses as well as expanding our community clinical team, ultrasound and dermatology services to reduce waiting times. Co-location with the other health users on the campus will also offer a fantastic opportunity for joint work and a more integrated population health approach for patients," Hill added.
"Patients already on our list will be able to remain on our list once we move and we are also discussing with East Cliff Practice, which will remain at Montefiore Medical Centre, about the way forward – including minimising any impact on those unable to access the new facilities," Hill concluded.