Village Surgery Plan Rejected Over Cricket Ball Fears

Plans for a new doctor's surgery in Coniston, a village in the Lake District that has been without a full-time general practitioner since last year, have been abandoned. The proposal, put forward by local businessman Phil Johnston, was recommended for refusal by the Lake District National Park Authority due to concerns that patients might be endangered by cricket balls hit from the adjacent Coniston Cricket Club.

Johnston, who owns the land intended for the surgery, has withdrawn his application after spending approximately £12,500 on the planning process, including a risk assessment for the cricket ball threat. He expressed his frustration, stating his intention was to help the village with an altruistic venture and that he has had enough of the process.

Coniston, with a population of 845 residents, has struggled to attract a GP after its previous doctor retired. A social media campaign highlighting the village's amenities and natural beauty failed to draw any applicants. As a temporary measure, a branch surgery from another practice has been operating three days a week in a village basement. The nearest full-time surgery is an hour's drive away.

The proposed development included a new surgery building and two apartments for local occupancy. The primary objection came from the village cricket club, supported by Sport England, which suggested a fence up to 46 feet high would be necessary to protect the site. Planners noted that the risk of injury to people accessing the surgery and potential damage to the building and vehicles had not been fully resolved. They concluded that granting consent could create unreasonable restrictions on the cricket club's activities.

Johnston stated that he has owned the land for 15 years and has never experienced a cricket ball landing on it. He also mentioned that he is a sponsor of the local cricket team. The South Cumbria Integrated Care Board has indicated that GP services will continue from their current temporary location until a more permanent solution is found.