With planning permission now lodged for the new North Denbighshire Community Hospital and the Health Board on track to submit a full business case to the Welsh Government by Christmas, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has applauded progress and welcomed news that building work is expected to start next year.
James, who has been involved in the project at the Royal Alexandra Hospital site since its instigation back in 2013, recently received correspondence from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board informing him that they “have been able to progress significantly despite the impact of other work related to the Covid-19 pandemic”.
James is now planning to meet the Health Board to discuss advancement of the project and the various concerns regarding the development which have been raised by residents living close by. These relate to the demolition and construction phase and to the impact of the siting of two wind turbines; parking facilities; increased traffic; noise and other matters.
James said:
“This project has been desperately needed for some time. The Royal Alexandra Hospital site is more accessible than Glan Clwyd Hospital for many living on the coast and will ease demand on the overstretched main site.
“However, I am fully aware of the concerns raised by local residents, particularly those living on Beechwood Road and East Parade, and I have already raised these with the Health Board when responding to the consultation on the development.
“The residents’ concerns about the construction phase are entirely understandable and I am pleased to have received reassurances from the Health Board that they will continue to engage with those living close to the site throughout the development and that they are listening and responding to the comments raised.
“The residents are not only concerned about the construction phase, but also about the more long-term effects of having a hospital in the area. The architects have responded to their concerns, but I know some residents still have reservations and I am happy to meet with them to discuss matters further if they so wish.
“This hospital is a fantastic, much awaited and much needed facility and will be a great asset to Rhyl and the area in general, but it is crucial that people who live in the vicinity are not adversely affected by it.”
James added:
“The original hospital building is Grade II listed and nearly 120 years old and I am extremely pleased that the latest plans will enable the refurbishment of the building and ensure its ongoing use for the next 25 years. I also welcome the fact that the Chapel will continue to be maintained along with many other historical features.
“I look forward to meeting with the Health Board soon to discuss the development further, and to witnessing the start of construction work next year. As I stated in my consultation response this development has the potential, following sympathetic renovation, to significantly contribute towards the resurgent town that we all want Rhyl to be.”
