Agenda item

See attached paper.

Motion on behalf the Labour Group

This Council acknowledges the invaluable contribution that St George’s Hospital has made to the quality of life of the people of Havering, particularly older people and their dependents.  It is therefore with deep regret that after various unsuccessful attempts at justifying closure of the site the Primary Care Trust has now achieved its objective.

In light of this the Council places on record its strongly held view that the future use of the site should have regard to the heritage of the site and to the needs of  the people of Havering.  It is widely accepted that Havering has one of the largest growing elderly populations in London.  To this end, and subject to the appropriate planning processes, the Council will seek to influence any proposed development of the site.

In particular it will enter into urgent discussions with the Primary Care Trust and its successors to reinforce the strength of local feeling that the future use of the site should reflect its long-standing historical medical and community care relationship with the local community.  Those discussions should explore the possibility of a pathfinding development of an older persons’ village.  For example, this  might comprise a mixed development of retirement homes for sale and rent (involving private developers and housing associations), sheltered housing, a resource centre encompassing medical and nursing facilities, residential care facilities and provision for a luncheon club, together with other local amenities  Such development should attempt to retain as much as possible of the current architectural heritage of the site with new buildings reflecting architectural sympathy with that heritage.

In pursuance of this the Council will also:

1.            Consider including a  specific policy or site allocation in the forthcoming Havering Local Plan enshrining these objectives and the necessary planning principles;

2.            Make urgent representations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government as to the desirability of, and seeking his support for, a pathfinding scheme of this nature as a demonstration of ‘the new localism’ and as a measure of joined up government seek his liaison with the Secretary of State for Health regarding ownership and disposal of the site;

3.            Consult with appropriate heritage bodies regarding possible measures for the protection and preservation of existing buildings on the site.

This Council believes that such a development would be ideally located, in a pleasant environmental setting and close to essential transport hubs.  It would provide opportunity for self-help among a community of retired and older people and would be likely to attract resource from voluntary and community organisations.  It would also be of benefit to the health and well-being of those people and help facilitate more people to live independent lives for longer and avoiding loneliness. 

The Council concludes that in addition to the obvious community benefits, the principle of such a development would have a positive impact on the increasingly stretched resources of the various public sector agencies, including the NHS.

                        A1: Amendment on behalf of the Administration

                        Amend to read:

            Although the St. George’s Hospital site in Hornchurch is a matter for the CCG, this Council wants to work in partnership to achieve the following for its local community:-

1)    Establish a specific health facility on the site.

2)    Protect Havering’s Greenbelt

3)    Any proceeds from the sale of the site must be spent on the local health economy in Havering.

Following debate, the Administration amendment was CARRIED by 39 votes to 8 (see division 5); and it was then CARRIED as the substantive motion without division.

RESOLVED that:

               Although the St. George’s Hospital site in Hornchurch is a matter for the CCG, this Council wants to work in partnership to achieve the following for its local community:-

1)     Establish a specific health facility on the site.

2)     Protect Havering’s Greenbelt

3)     Any proceeds from the sale of the site must be spent on the local health economy in Havering.