I refer to the article (Malvern Gazette, October 7) regarding the offer of land from Marcus Wilesmith and the Johnson and Lewis Trustees on which to build the new Malvern hospital. I consider this to be an excellent proposal.
The site at Seaford Court has been plagued by delays and lacks both sufficient room for expansion and adequate parking facilities. The land behind Lower Howsell Road would provide many benefits - a flat location, ample room for expansion and parking, access via public transport, good road links to outlying areas and no land acquisition costs. In fact, Seaford Court could be sold to fund the new development.
The only possible negative aspect is that the surrounding land may, in the future, be developed. I am told that in August 1992, the consultation draft of the Malvern Hills Local Plan identified the land in question as a possible location for a new science park, with access off the Newland roundabout. So, the prospect of developing this land is nothing new. Also, as the Gazette reported in its Opinion column (October 7), "this area is likely to be built on in the longer term".
At least we can now find out what the PCT's goal really is. Does it want to provide the standard of hospital Malvern needs and wants, or does it want to provide the minimum it can get away with?
If the road to the new hospital off the Newland roundabout provides the start of a link road to the Leigh Sinton Road and North Site, then so much the better!
Jo McFarlane, Newtown Road, Malvern.
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