News

The building of a new health centre on the employment land off Spitfire Way in Hawkinge will not now be going ahead.

Drs Beaton and Stewart of the Hawkinge and Elham Valley practice, which operates from Canterbury Road in the village, have written to the parish council saying the development plans for new GP premises at Spitfire Way will not be pursued.

The practice had previously caused controversy over  planning applications to build a health centre and pharmacy in woods between Mill Lane and The Street in Hawkinge.

Local residents were critical of the site for the Centre and re-formed the Hawkinge Civic Society to fight the plans.

The first application was withdrawn in October 2005 but the second was thrown out by district councillors after they supported the recommendations of Shepway council officers in August 2006.

The practice have said in their letter to council Chairman David Callahan that they would like to work closely with the parish council 'to explore further options'.

A meeting with the Chairman and Vice Chairman and representatives from the practice has been arranged for 18 February.