Cheshire East has given the go ahead for a new medical facility in Crewe town centre - committing to treat NHS patients and reduce local waiting times.

Cheshire Medical Centre (CMA), will be located in the former Donna Louise charity shop at 22a Market Street and a smaller unit at 20 Market Street.

Applicant Dr Patricia McWalter told Wednesday's (August 3) meeting of the southern planning committee, the new clinic would carry out operations in a day surgery setting.

22a Market Street to the left with 20 Market Street to the right. Both units will become Cheshire Medical Centre (Ryan Parker).

It would cover specialities such as ophthalmology, like cataract surgery, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology and breast surgery.

Dr McWalter said: "The comments from a number of sources about this being merely a private medical facility gives the wrong impression."

"The facility will also treat NHS patients and help to reduce waiting times that have developed recently, particularly as a result of the Covid pandemic over the last two years."

She said the smaller unit, which the committee dealt with as a separate application, would be used as a GP clinic, specifically covering women's health.

A pain clinic and NHS work would also be supported there.

Cheshire Medical Centre will construct a basement and build an additional storey to the properties (Cheshire East Planning).

The doctor added: "We are looking to invest in an area of the town where there is a large number of vacant units which, if left vacant, will continue to have a negative impact on the town.

"The proposal on the other hand, will result in significant economic benefits with job creation as a result of this new centre."

The original application for the scheme proposed to add an extra three storeys to the two properties.

The applications being considered by the southern planning committee on Wednesday proposed to construct a basement and build an additional one storey.

Cheshire Medical Centre wanted to invest in a vacant area of the town - aiming to bring economic benefits (Ryan Parker).

Cllr Steve Hogben (Crewe South, Lab) said: "The three story attempt in the first place would have been utterly, utterly horrible. It would have been well out of keeping with the area.

"The proposal to just add one floor above ground and another one below addresses it quite well."

Committee chair Andrew Kolker (Dane Valley, Con) raised concerns about the 'pretty functional design' of the building.

He said: "I just wonder whether, in the context of a listed building and the regeneration of Crewe, the committee is happy with the design."

Concerns were also raised about waste management and cycle storage, as the centre will be employing about 70 staff.

Cllr Steve Hogben, Crewe South, Labour (Cheshire East Council).

The applicant said medical waste would be dealt with by a specialist company and she would be happy to work with the council on any other issues.

Cllr David Marren (Shavington, Independent), told the doctor a new cycling hub had recently been opened at Crewe Station.

He asked if she would be prepared to make a financial contribution towards a cycling hub somewhere in the town centre.

She replied if that was recommended they would comply.

But planning officer Gareth Taylorson told the committee: "I don't think we can justify a contribution because obviously that hasn't been justified through the highway comments."

Cllr David Marren, Shavington, Independent (Cheshire East Council).

Cllr Marren was not impressed.

"This council has, in its corporate plan, said it's committed to be carbon neutral by 2025," he said.

"We've heard that this is going to have up to 70 new employees and it's going to have people driving into the town.

"We've heard the applicant's happy to make a contribution towards cycling, however the planners don't think it's relevant or it's possible to do that.

There's almost like a detachment from the council's corporate plan and the planning section."

The view of Market Street Street facing Chester Bridge - opposite the new approved medical centre (Ryan Parker).

Both applications were approved unanimously, with a condition that cycle storage would be provided in the building.

There would also be further discussion on design matters - improving the fenestration.

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