The chair of Whitchurch Patients Group has admitted her delight at plans being put in front of Shropshire Council for a new state-of-the-art health hub.

The plans to turn the Pauls Moss estate into housing and healthcare facilities is now in front of planners at Shropshire Council.

Peggy Mullock, who is also a Shropshire councillor, believes the move for consultation with Shropshire Council is a sign the project is moving forward.

"Now that the plans are going to consultation before North Shropshire Planning Committee, it's a real sign of progress to help us deliver the best medical facilities available for the people of Whitchurch," said Mrs Mullock.

"There will be a chance for people to put their views forward but I, along with all the GPs in this town who have worked so hard to make this a reality in such a short space of time, believe it is the best option.

"If this is cleared, we hope to have everything in place within three years, meaning the short to mid-term of health facilities in this town is secure.

"I would like to thank all the different stakeholders – of which there are many – who have worked hard to put together these plans.

"Fingers crossed everything can move forward as planned and Whitchurch gets the very best in health care."

The development at Pauls Moss, off Dodington, aims to revitalise medical provision in the town, bringing the existing GP practices together under one roof, while also addressing the needs of a growing, ageing population.

As part of wider regeneration plans, the scheme will offer combined housing and care services for the over-55 age group, as well as providing a modern, purpose built medical centre and community space.

Dr Julian Povey, Chair of NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning (CCG) and GP, said: “This is a really exciting project that brings health and social care together to support patients and local people.

"It will become a real community asset by uniting local services on to a single, dedicated site with purpose-built facilities.”

The Wrekin Housing Trust will lead on the project, in partnership with Shropshire Council, and the CCG.

The proposed development of the medical centre is being funded by both Shropshire Council and NHS England capital funding.

Managing director of the Wrekin Housing Trust, Wayne Gethings, added: “Together with the Council, NHS Shropshire CCG and local GP practices, we’ve designed a forward-thinking solution that will provide attractive, modern facilities that will not only fulfil the needs of today, but also be there for future generations.

“Combining specialist retirement housing with health and social care facilities is a model that is already proving invaluable elsewhere in the county.”

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for corporate and commercial services, said: “The need for a new medical centre in Whitchurch is well known.

"This project will make sure that this need is met, and that Whitchurch has modern, accessible, and fit for purpose facilities that will help deliver the best services for patients, but also attract a high-quality workforce to the town.”

Consultation is open for comments from members of the public until Wednesday, January 30.

Project leaders expect the plans to be considered by the planning committee and a final planning decision to be made in early spring.

If approved, the project is expected to take three years to complete and will be funded by Shropshire Council, the Wrekin Housing Trust, Homes England, NHS England, NHS Shropshire CCG and the One Public Estate programme.