A PROPOSAL to demolish Pauls Moss House to make way for a new medical centre has been rejected by North Shropshire Planning Committee.

In a tense and emotional meeting, the decision came down to the planning officer’s recommendation after the eight committee members were split 4-4 on their decision.

The planning officer’s recommendation was to reject the proposals, with the report saying the demolition of Pauls Moss would cause “total loss of a non-designated heritage asset and substantial harm to the significance of the conservation area”.

Several members of the public spoke in front of the board to make their case, with favouring the application.

The majority of speakers said they would like to keep Pauls Moss, but not in favour of a new medical centre.

Whitchurch resident Anthony Smith said the project should go ahead, a sentiment followed by several other speakers.

“It is very evident that Wrekin Housing Trust is crying out for a medical practice now,” said Mr Smith. “Not in a few years.

“Of the existing GPs at least two are set to retire in the next two years.

“There are hundreds of concerned residents in Whitchurch who fear the consequences of refusal.

“Which is more important, saving a building or improving the health standards of a town?

“It is vital that we do not lose this chance of medical facilities.”

But councillors were split between the conflicting considerations, with all appreciating the need for new medical provisions, while also wanting to avoid the demolition of a historic building.

Committee member Cllr Rob Gittins was in favour of rejecting the plans, saying: “I felt the site had a lot of potential. I certainly sympathise with both sides of the argument.

“There’s certainly a lot of economic benefits, a lot of social benefits.

“But on the other side were looking at the demolition of a historic structure. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

“It’s not an easy one at all, but where I see it we cannot allow our historic buildings to be demolished. I will support the officers’ recommendation but with a heavy heart.”

Fellow committee member Cllr Roy Aldcroft viewed the matter differently, saying: “The development will assist with things like bed-blocking. It will mean that patients can remain in Whitchurch.

“I was surprised it was classed a conservation area because the flats that are boarded-up are absolutely hideous. That building is quite nice, but there’s plenty of buildings like it.

“I think looking at it, I have to prioritise on the side of the population of Whitchurch.”

Dr Clare Bellingham of the Save Pauls Moss campaign was one of those to speak, and was happy with the outcome.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” said Dr Bellingham. “We’ve been campaigning since residents were told to move out 18 months ago.

“I’m very pleased with the planning officer’s recommendation, very relieved.

“Obviously, we want to see a medical centre go ahead and we hope that Wrekin Housing Trust will resubmit their application.

“The Wrekin Housing Trust could have easily won if they took into consideration the views of the people of Whitchurch.

“We want to work with a medical centre, but not at the expense of Pauls Moss.”

However, Peggy Mullock, chair of Whitchurch Patients Trust and a Shropshire councillor, admitted she was hurt by the decision to reject the proposals.

She added: “I’m absolutely devastated at the outcome this afternoon.

“I feel really sad that the health of 13,000 patients in this town has been put at risk for a house.

“I don’t know if this is the end of the plans for our development at Pauls Moss.

“The whole point of this was to keep all services and people under one roof and the alternative plans put forward [to keep Pauls Moss House] don’t do that.

“That contributes to the health of older people.

“I am disappointed by the recommendations of the planning officer and the decision to reject the plans.

“But I had also hoped that my fellow councillors would have seen the need for this facility.”