Julie Marson, MP for Hertford and Stortford, has requested ministerial action to ensure Frontier Estates builds the GP surgery it committed to building at Stortford Fields.
The developer pledged to build such a surgery, but, citing inflated build costs, have since questioned the financial viability of the build.
The South Street Surgery had been earmarked to move to the surgery once its construction had been completed.
Julie has met with Frontier Estates and local NHS leaders to assist in progressing the build. However, negotiations have stalled for over a year.
In her question on the floor of the House of Commons, Julie asked the Health Secretary to work with ministers at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - with whom she has also met - to ensure Frontier engages with the process “and builds the surgery they promised” her constituents.
Responding at the despatch box, the Health Secretary said:
“In relation to the very important issue she raises, my officials and Levelling Up officials are already considering how primary care infrastructure can be better supported in the planning process to ease the pressure on primary care estates, particularly in areas of housing growth, and I know that she [Julie Marson] will continue to be as conscientious in her campaigning on this as she in other matters.”
Commenting after her question, Julie said:
“I want to see Frontier Estates build the GPs’ surgery that formed part of the original plan for Stortford Fields. The GPs’ surgery was a critical part of the plan for such a long time so for this to be put at risk and for negotiations to have stalled for well over a year is really troubling.
“That is why I requested ministerial attention and action on this. I have alerted both the Levelling Up and Health departments and will continue to do whatever I can to ensure the surgery gets built for the good of local residents.
“I hope Frontier Estates will act in good faith, engage fully with the process and do whatever it takes to build a great GPs’ surgery for our community.”