Plans approved for new GP surgery on former school site in Great Barford
A new GP surgery for Great Barford has been granted planning permission on a former lower school site in Silver Street.
The development will provide six consulting rooms, two treatment rooms, and other facilities in a modern single storey building – covering about 580 sqm gross internal area.
The news follows demand from villagers, as well as borough and parish councillors – who expect to see patient demand soar due to upcoming development – and wanted the former school site and "eyesore" to have a purpose.
Cllr Philippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Bedford Borough Councillor representing Great Barford ward, said: “This is great progress and will make a real difference.
"For far too long, the old school has stood empty, deteriorating in the heart of our village and attracting anti-social behaviour.
"There is still work to do, but I will continue pushing to see this much-needed surgery delivered for our community.”
A spokeswoman for Great Barford Parish Council said: "Demand has outgrown the current available space, so we have been instrumental in facilitating discussion between the interested parties involved in provision of local healthcare.
"This push can be traced back several years, but has recently taken leaps forward due to the anticipated population growth."
The applicant – Imaging Matters On Behalf Of Bedford Borough Council – received unanimous support at a meeting of Bedford Borough Council's Planning Committee.
The surgery will replace the former Great Barford Lower School buildings, which have stood empty since 2018.
The parish council spokeswoman added: "A hybrid ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ will ensure a rapid build.
"It is expected demolition of the former school could take place in January, with the build completion as early as October 2027, ready for the surgery staff to move across the road into the new premises."
Great Barford currently has a Dispensing Surgery situated on Silver Street – but the parish council says it has become "too small" to provide "a sustainable health care service".
The catchment area for the surgery extends beyond the village of Great Barford, also serving the surrounding areas including Cople, Willington, Roxton, and Colmworth – and the practice provides for around 5,300 patients.
The new surgery will provide on-site parking for 40 cars.
A NHS Central East Integrated Care Board spokesman said: “We are working with the practice and with Bedford Borough Council, which is leading delivery of the project, on the scheme which will replace the current GP surgery building.
"There are still some details to conclude before building work can commence, but we are very encouraged by the progress being made.”
Cllr Martin Towler, portfolio holder for meighbourhoods and communities: health and wellbeing at Bedford Borough Council, said: “This is another important step towards delivering the better healthcare facilities our growing communities need and deserve.
"It follows years of work by Bedford Borough Council, the NHS and the local GP practice to develop the scheme and secure the investment needed to move it forward."