Ludlow hospital plans are submitted

Plans for a new £27 million hospital and doctors' surgeries in Ludlow have been submitted to Shropshire Council, county health bosses confirmed today.

Shropshire County Primary Care Trust submitted an outline planning application for the facility at the Eco Business Park.

Stuart Rees, director of finance and performance at Shropshire County PCT, said: "There are no changes to the scale of the facilities that were initially proposed in the submitted outline planning application, though feedback received during the engagement process has helped us to refine some specific points."

Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow said: "It's important for the primary care trust to proceed before the end of this financial year so I'm urging Shropshire Council to expedite the planning application in a timely fashion, in accordance with its normal procedures."

In a statement, the PCT said: "Submitting of the outline planning application is the next stage in a process of bringing to life redevelopment plans of health care services in south-west Shropshire, including a new community hospital with integrated facilities for two GP practices, and is evidence of the hard work from all partners and the local communities in taking the project forward."

Shropshire Council will now consider the application.

The PCT said it expected a decision would be made in spring this year.