Concern over Pharmacy Proposals for Wick

The news that NHS England is considering two applications for pharmacies in Wick has rung serious alarm bells with Wick with Toddington Councillor, Carol Emberson. It is understood that these applications are part of the proposals for the relocation of the East Street GP practice to the Enterprise Hub, immediately to the North of the new Morrisons supermarket in Wick.  The two sites under consideration are the Martello Enterprise Centre and the Enterprise Hub itself.  Both are accessed from Courtwick Lane.

Cllr Emberson, Chair of the Town Council’s Policy and Finance Committee, who also Chair’s the Wick Village Traders Association says ‘I believe this is in direct contravention of all the agreements that took place when the Morrisons supermarket and Enterprise Hub received planning permission.  Certainly Morrisons said they would not be including a pharmacy at the store and understood that such a facility would be seriously detrimental to the retail offer at Wick Parade.  Whilst these proposals would not be at the store itself, they would have the same effect.  I would anticipate that planning permission for a change of use will be needed to allow such facilities in this area.  I would find it very hard to be supportive of the relocation of the GP surgery if as a result it was likely to damage the local shops.”

Town Mayor, Cllr Joyce Bowyer shares these concerns.  “A pharmacy is not appropriate for the Enterprise Centre as this space should be reserved for small business enterprises not for retail units.  Furthermore, this could be the death knell for Wick Parade. I have asked for this matter to be discussed at the next meeting of the North Littlehampton Steering Group, where hopefully Health representatives will be able to answer our questions”.

At the moment this application is only being considered internally by NHS England and is not yet part of an application to Arun District Council as the Planning Authority. Consultees have been asked to make written representations on the application to NHS England by 18th May. They will then consider all the representations before determining whether it should be included within their scheme.  The Town Council’s Policy and Finance Committee will be considering the matter on 12th May.