"Residents are being let down" - Braverman urges meeting between developer and NHS over Berewood surgery dispute

The MP for Fareham and Waterlooville has called for a meeting to take place with the NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board and developer Grainger over the provision of a new surgery in Berewood, Waterlooville.

1,100 homes have been built at the site after planning permission was approved 14 years ago with another 1,450 set to be constructed. However, a new health surgery which was promised as part of the development is no closer to being built with the NHS and the developer both believing the other is responsible for it,

Suella Braverman said: “Frankly, local residents are being let down. I have now met with bosses at Grainger and the ICB and I am calling for a meeting so that we can mediate what is a disagreement.

“I want a meeting with the ICB, Granger, Winchester City Council and Havant Borough Council, so that we can reach a common plan and how to move forward and deliver a health centre that Newlands deserve. I am urging these bodies to work with me constructively to deliver for local people.”

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The main point of contention is the original S106 planning document states that the developer only has to provide the land for the health care facility. While the NHS has disputed this and pointed to other details in the document, including building specifications such as how many GP rooms are required, which it states suggests the developer are building it.

Director of Primary Care and Local Care, James Roach, said: “The NHS is not, and has never been provided with, funds to build health centres in housing developments.

“Land is not a mitigation in the provision of health services when new houses are proposed by developers and with no capital contribution given to the NHS as part of this legal process, there is no possibility or funding for the NHS to build a new health centre.”

In response to a request from The News regarding the dispute, Havant Borough Council confirmed that the planning application only specified that the land needed to be provided by the developer.

With the dispute ongoing and no surgery in sight, local residents are becoming concerned and frustrated with the lack of developments and the lack of communication. While schools and playgrounds have been built as promised, a resident told The News that they had received no updates on the new shops and surgery which had been highlighted when the properties were sold to them.

Director of Primary Care and Local Care, James Roach, said: “We are grateful for the time of all local partners in trying to reach a resolution to ensure the sustainable access to primary care facilities for the residents of the Berewood development. While conversations are ongoing, we are focused on achieving this goal as we explore what is possible together.”

Grainger have been approached for comment.