By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A decision will be made this week on controversial plans to demolish a Victorian doctor’s surgery to make way for a new building in Beeston.
Developers applied to flatten Oban House in the town to make way for a new doctor’s surgery and pharmacy.
Nearby Manor Surgery would then move out of its current facilities and into the new build.
Residents who commented on the plans said they supported the needs of Manor Surgery, but “not at the expense of Oban House”.
Beeston Civic Society is opposing the plans for the Victorian building, which was built in around 1890.
But the practice manager at Manor Surgery said they were “stretched to the limit” and that “Beeston will suffer” if they do not get larger facilities.
The practice, based nearby on Middle Street, is meant to serve 7,500 patients but by 2018 it had 13,000 on the books.
Broxtowe Borough Council will decide on the plans at its planning committee on Wednesday 5 October.
Planners argue that Beeston is also expanding due to new homes in the area, and a bigger doctor’s surgery is needed.
The plans are recommended for approval by council officers.
Tamar Feast, a trustee of Beeston Civic Society, said the group had put forward a petition with 225 signatures.
She said: “We maintain our objection to the application primarily because of the demolition of Oban House.
“It is in a conservation area and shares a view with the grade two listed church.
“All we want is for Oban House is to be retained and that is totally possible.
“We recognise Manor Surgery’s need for greater capacity but we don’t want lose Oban House.”
The County Council Conservation Office added that “the loss of Oban House damages the Victorian setting of St John’s church and the new building does not replicate that relationship”.
A decision will be made on October 5.
