Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre gets unanimous approval

The application followed the outline consent which was granted in 2022 on the Hindsland site in Willingdon. Wealden District Council purchased the site in 2024 to enable to bring forward the delivery of much needed primary care facilities.

 

The medical centre will support the larger ongoing residential development at the site, and a tender process is now currently ongoing for the council to find a design and build contractor for the project.

 

The approved detailed plans are of a brand new three-storey medical centre which will be fully accessible, and step-free access throughout. The centre will offer consultant and treatment rooms, parking and accessible bays and ambulance access. Patients will have access to a welcoming reception, waiting areas, and an on-site pharmacy.

 

The much-needed health care facility in the area will consolidate the undersized and outdated Downlands and Manor Park GP practices into a new primary care facility. The objective is to meet modern NHS standards for primary care provision, support the growing demand and to enhance patient care by enabling increased capacity, accessibility and efficiency.

 

Dr Joseph Ljevar spoke in favour of the application on behalf of Manor Park Medical Centre and Downlands Medical Centre.

 

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “We’re delighted that reserved matters have been granted for the new medical centre in Polegate. This milestone brings us one step closer to being able to deliver accessible healthcare facilities for communities in Polegate and Willingdon. The new centre will support the wellbeing of our residents and ensure that their healthcare needs are met.”

 

Amy Galea, chief integration and primary care officer at NHS Sussex said, "This is a significant step forward and extremely welcome news for the people of Polegate and Willingdon, as well as our existing local GPs and practice staff. NHS Sussex looks forward to continuing to work with Wealden District Council and both practices on this next stage of the project, which will provide the modern and accessible facilities needed to support the health and wellbeing of local people for generations to come."

 

To follow updates on the progress of this project please go to: https://letstalk.wealden.gov.uk/polegate-willingdon-medical-centre