The extra space for the GPs in The Precinct is among an additional eight flats and a shop proposed for the existing buildings.

They will be the first additions since the area was built more than 40 years ago to the two three-storey blocks with 16 business units and residential use above which line the precinct.

Builders and partial landowners R Rawlins and Son Ltd want to add to the southern ends of both blocks. The company claims the work is needed to stop the estate declining if the doctors have to move elsewhere to fulfil their expansion plans.

It is intended that work will start early next year if the proposals are approved by Arun District Council.

The current scheme is in outline form to establish the principle of the development. If agreed, more detailed plans will need to be submitted.

Andy Rodway, the company's planning agent, says in a statement to the council that the surgery was probably the most important use in the precinct.

"This existing use has outgrown its current premises and therefore there are only two options available – enlarge the existing premises or relocate.

"It is acknowledged by most, if not all the local businesses, that the doctors' surgery is an integral and essential part of the West Meads Precinct.

"And, without it, the integrity of the whole precinct would likely be prejudiced and this would have a dramatic impact upon the community," he says.

A letter from Dr Nick Rowse, added to the planning application, states: "Our practice has been trying to expand for the last two years within The Precinct, to no success.

"As a result, we have had to look to move elsewhere, though we would prefer to remain in our established locality.

"We strongly support this redevelopment and would intend to take up the new units adjacent to our existing surgery once built."

Each of the new ground-floor units will be 136sq m in size. It is intended that the retail store will open between 7am and 10pm six days a week and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Mr Rodway explains the upper floors of the proposed extensions would be used for flats for the Aldingbourne Trust's client group of adults with learning disabilities.

Both extensions would be at the southern ends of the existing blocks, with a ground-floor unit and four flats on each side.

"The proposed extensions have been designed to make a focal point at the street junction of Queens Field West/East and Trinity Way," he adds.

"Although the buildings will be projecting closer to the public highways, any impact will be offset by the high-quality design and the general improved appearance, which we feel will be a clearly positive addition to West Meads Precinct, and will mark it as a thriving, contemporary and attractive place to do business, live and shop, and a place the local community can be proud of."

But two horse chestnut trees – one of which is diseased – will have to be chopped down to make room for the extensions.


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