The section of the plan where infrastructure needs are laid out highlights healthcare as a key priority that is already under resourced (H1-H9). I feel that the local plan should focus on forward-loading development that supports delivery of improved local infrastructure to meet existing need before placing any more burden upon the already creaking infrastructure of the area by adding more houses and people.
Almost every GP practice is described in the draft infrastructure delivery plan as already being over capacity. Whilst larger buildings may be helpful, if there aren’t enough healthcare practitioners to populate and run them, a building in itself is worthless. The documents highlight that there is a risk that existing practices covering the area west of Basingstoke may not have the appetite or capacity to expand their services into new facilities even if buildings are provided by developers.