Work on a new NHS medical centre on the edge of Norwich can FINALLY begin after flooding concerns holding up the project were addressed.
Both Broadland District Council and Norfolk County Council have given the go-ahead to the new medical hub in Rackheath.
The scheme was put on hold after county council officers and people living nearby raised concerns about the area's existing vulnerability to flooding and called for further evidence to prove the centre would not have any "adverse off-site impacts on flood risk".
The land in Green Lane East, which consists of sandy clay, is understood to have drainage issues which could cause a risk of flooding elsewhere in the village.
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But a new report submitted by those behind the medical centre has alleviated any concerns about potential flood risks, and work has finally been cleared to begin on the project.
Martin Murrell, Broadland district councillor for the area, said: "This is a huge step in getting the new medical centre over the line.
"Both councillor Fran Whymark and I are overjoyed with the culmination of several years' work coming to fruition and what it will mean for local residents and the wider community."
Outline plans for the medical centre were approved by the NHS last August as part of a £25m investment in Norwich and Waveney, alongside a new health hub in King's Lynn.
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Rackheath has around 1,000 homes, with around 500 more being built and nearly 4,000 extra homes that could be built in the village.
But it does not have a GP practice with the closest being Hoveton and Wroxham Medical Centre and Thorpewood Surgery in Heartsease.
The medical centre is due to open in 2025 and is intended to be a modern, accessible, digitally-enabled facility where people can access a range of health and care services.
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