A CLOSED village GP surgery has been given the green light to be converted into supported living accommodation.

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council for the Burtonwood Village Surgery building on Kinnock Park.

This was for a change of use from GP surgery to a three-bed dwelling for supported living, as well as for a single-storey side extension, porch infill to the front and boundary treatments.

Applicant COB Investments Ltd said: “The property is a detached, single-storey satellite doctor’s surgery which is no longer in use.

“We believe that the property has been unoccupied for over 12 months.

“The property is currently in a poor state of repair, having suffered from a significant water leak, and the gardens are overgrown.”

The interior layout currently provides three consultation rooms, a waiting area, an office, two toilets and a small kitchen area.

It was proposed that the property would be used as a shared supported living home for three people, such as those with learning disabilities or mental health problems.

“All rooms will be fully furnished with good quality furniture, with a kitchen, dining and living area also available for communal use,” documents added.

“A rear garden will also be provided for the benefit of the occupants.

“In addition to the above, an open-plan communal kitchen, dining and living area, bathroom with level access wet floor, separate toilet and staff office will be provided.

“Discussions have already been held with the commissioning team at Warrington Borough Council’s social care team, and it has confirmed that there is a shortage of such properties within the Warrington area.

“We are also in discussions with several care providers who would operate the property, and they have also confirmed that this is the case, and we are in the process of agreeing terms.”

There is currently off-road parking to the front of the property for four cars, which would be retained.

One resident letter was submitted concerning the proposals which stated: “I will consider supporting this application if the council will guarantee the residents in this supported living facility are not a danger to the people of Burtonwood.”

It highlights an ‘incredibly expensive’ supported living facility already in the village, which councillors and residents knew ‘nothing about until it was too late to stop’, however the name and nature of such a facility has been redacted by the council.