NHS Property Services has submitted a revised planning application to the New Forest National Park Authority to reduce the size of the Ashurst Child and Family Wellbeing Centre
The council previously approved the planning application for the care home and two-storey wellbeing centre in March
The revised planning application calls for the building to only be one storey instead of two, and is expected to still house an outpatient unit, paediatric audiology department, a child and adolescent mental health service, and a community nurses hub
If the revised application is approved, the centre will include dedicated therapy rooms, consulting rooms, family therapy space, a sensory room, and improved facilities.
The changes proposed by NHSPS would still allow for a future upward extension if it is needed in the future
In a statement, NHSPS reported that the decision to revise the application was based on changes in healthcare commissioning requirements and increasing project costs.
The NHSPS said the detailed planning work showed less administrative space was needed than originally thought, and that the updated single-storey design reflects that change
The updated design is expected to save around £1.5m in costs
A spokesperson for NHSPS and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement:
“NHS Property Services, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have agreed revised plans for the new Ashurst Child and Family Wellbeing Centre.
“The updated single-storey design reflects detailed planning work, which showed less administrative space was needed than originally anticipated, while also delivering a saving of around £1.5m
“While the design has evolved from earlier proposals, the wellbeing centre will not be half the size in terms of the services it provides, and there will be no reduction in services for children, young people and families.
“The redevelopment will provide a modern, safe and welcoming environment that is better suited to supporting children and families.”
