Plans for an office complex neighbouring an Aberdeenshire medical centre deemed “hugely important” to an expanding north east town have been put on hold by councillors.
The planning application for a two-storey office neighbouring Skene Medical Group, Westhill, has been deferred in order for the Garioch Area Committee to enter into discussions with the NHS Grampian and other parties.
Speaking at the committee yesterday morning, Dr Colin Hunter, a partner at the health centre, said the site should be earmarked for future development of the medical centre on Westhill’s Arnhall industrial estate.
Dr Hunter listed Westhill’s ever-increasing population as a reason to reject developing the office building, which would be almost identical to the medical centre in appearance.
He said: “We’re seeing higher elderly population and people with dementia in the area. This is about safeguarding our current resources and future resources.
“There’s a real issue for us about population and expansion of the facility which I don’t think can be guaranteed.”
Developers, Medical Centres Scotland Ltd, proposed an additional 22 parking spaces next to the office.
The developers are the owners of both sites, and gave Skene Medical Group a 15-20 year lease on the building when the practice relocated in 2005.
Dr Hunter said the developers wanted to make a “short term gain” on the site, adding: “We were approached by them very late on actually when they submitted the proposal.”
He also added that he had found it “quite difficult” to get “engaged” with NHS Grampian around securing future expansion of the medical centre.
Councillor Ron McKail, of Westhill and District, said: “Westhill is an expanding community, patients come from Echt, Dunecht and Kirkton of Skene, I think it is important for us to maintain that piece of land.”