Plans have been revealed for a modern healthcare facility and pharmacy to serve the future development of Soham.  

If given the go-ahead, the current Staple Medical Centre, in Brewhouse Lane, will be demolished to make way for the scheme.  

The application’s design and access statement says: “The existing facility is significantly undersized and includes outdated facilities which do not comply with current NHS guidance and are no longer fit for purpose.” 

Ely Standard: The plans were submitted to East Cambridgeshire planners at the start of the month.The plans were submitted to East Cambridgeshire planners at the start of the month. (Image: Staploe Medical Centre plans)It goes on to say the “expanding population” and “increased pressure on primary care in general practice” were considered when developing the new building.  

An artists’ impression offers an insight into the vision for the healthcare centre building, which will be set over two floors.  

The proposed site is located just north of the existing surgery in an area of opening agricultural land that forms the wider Soham Eastern Gateway residential development proposals.  

Ely Standard: The new Staploe Medical Centre will also include a pharmacy if given the go-ahead.The new Staploe Medical Centre will also include a pharmacy if given the go-ahead. (Image: Staploe Medical Centre plans)Initially, access will be via the existing medical centre site and additional access from the A142 will be built as part of the Soham Eastern Gateway development.  

The medical centre will also include patient and staff parking as well as covered parking.  

The plans have been submitted as a joint planning application between Mereside Medical, who operate Staploe Medical Centre, and This Land which is leading Soham Eastern Gateway development.  

Ely Standard: The new Staploe Medical Centre proposals are part of the Soham Eastern Gateway proposals.The new Staploe Medical Centre proposals are part of the Soham Eastern Gateway proposals. (Image: Staploe Medical Centre plans)Planners at East Cambridgeshire District Council received the plans on February 7, 2024.  

Responding to the application, Cllr Mark Goldsack, who represents Soham North for the district council and Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “I believe that this planning application represents a huge step forward for the support of our community and that of neighbouring villages.  

“These facilities will serve Soham and surrounding villages for many years and allow the practice to do more than they are currently able to take on.”