Plans to build a new hospital in Consett as part of the government’s flagship 2019 election pledge have been approved.

Long-running efforts to replace the outdated Shotley Bridge Hospital took a major step forward on Tuesday after members of Durham County Council’s planning committee granted permission.

The new purpose-built community health facility on Genesis Way, opposite the Tesco Extra store, was part of Boris Johnson’s pledge to build 40 new hospitals throughout the UK by 2030.

Although many of the schemes have been hit by budget pressures and delays, councillors shared their relief that the new County Durham hospital was finally approved.

Health officials decided to progress the plans for the new facility after recognising the Shotley Bridge required extensive upgrades. The proposal includes a 16-bed in-patient rehabilitation ward, urgent treatment centre, expanded chemotherapy suite and diagnostic provision.

The Northern Echo: An artist's visualisation of the new Shotley Bridge Community Hospital An artist's visualisation of the new Shotley Bridge Community Hospital (Image: The Northern Echo)

Cllr Dominic Haney, whose Consett South ward covers the site of the new facility, said the existing hospital’s future has been in doubt for decades.

He said: “I know how important the hospital is to people locally; it’s one of the key issues in the local area. The existing facility is in desperate need of refurbishments or a new facility such as this.”

But the proposed bed numbers for the facility were labelled “inadequate” by the Lib Dem councillor.

“People are disappointed and angry that there is only going to be 16 beds. There was originally talk of 24 and that should be an absolute minimum,” added cllr Haney.

“Whilst I’ll never be convinced that the bed numbers are enough, Consett does need an improved community hospital and I’m hopeful in the future that it might even be extended.”

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The Northern Echo: The site on Genesis Way, Consett, where the new hospital will be built The site on Genesis Way, Consett, where the new hospital will be built (Image: Medical Architecture)

It is hoped the new hospital will alleviate some of the capacity pressures on the University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) in Durham, where planning permission was recently granted for an extension.

The plans also include new pedestrian and cycle links, two new bus stops on the A692 and 145 car parking spaces. 

The hospital is expected to be built by 2025.

Richard Holden MP said: 
“Reversing the decades of decline of healthcare services in North West Durham has been my top local priority. The council granting planning permission is another good step in the right direction. 

“At every stage I have been pushing the project forward at both a local and national level and I look forward to the business case being submitted for final sign off from the Department of Health and Social Care in the coming months.

“More importantly, I look forward to seeing the sizeable impact this hospital will have on our local towns and villages and see that levelling-up in local healthcare provision with a new community hospital.”