Priory Development on hold by Healthcare Commission until planning permission issue resolved.
The Healthcare Commission have paused the registration process of the Priory Group’s proposed medium secure unit at Bennetts Lane, Widnes until the planning issue has been resolved.
In a letter to Derek Twigg MP the chief executive of the Healthcare Commission wrote
“The Healthcare Commission has received correspondence from Halton Borough Council stating that they are of the opinion that the Priory Group do not have appropriate planning permission for the provision of medium and low secure services, furthermore if Priory proceed and introduce an unauthorised use the Council will take enforcement action including Stop Notices. The Healthcare Commission cannot disregard such a clear statement from another statutory agency and so the registration process has been paused until the issue is resolved.”
Derek Twigg MP has also received a reply from Communities and Local Government Minister, Baroness Andrews in response to his request for a government investigation into the planning application.
Baroness Andrews states that
“There is no statutory provision for the Secretary of State to investigate either the Council’s or applicant's involvement in this matter. Responsibility for the detailed administration of the system in their areas has been given to local planning authorities and although the government exercises a general oversight of the working of the system it is not its practice to intervene with local planning authorities with their handling of day–to-day matters.”
Derek Twigg MP said:
“I am pleased that the Healthcare Commission have put on hold the registration process of the Priory Group’s development until the planning application issue has been resolved. It is important that we find out what actually went on during the planning process of this development.
“I am, though, disappointed that the government is not able to intervene, but I will continue to do all I can to support local residents.”
