When new homes are built, local GP practices and other health services may need more capacity to support a growing population.
We work with local councils and developers when new homes are being planned to make sure developers contribute towards the additional healthcare facilities needed because of population growth. Our guiding principle is that new developments must meet the additional healthcare needs they create and should not add to pressure on existing services.
During the planning process we assess the additional demand a development will place on the local NHS, particularly GP practices. Where demand exceeds existing capacity, we can seek funding from developers through planning agreements, often called Section 106 contributions, to help expand local GP or other healthcare facilities.
Depending on the size of the development, this funding might be used to:
- expand existing GP surgeries or health centres to create additional clinical space
- support the development of new GP surgeries or healthcare facilities where needed
- improve access and parking
- provide space for additional health services.
Section 106 funding can only be used to meet the extra demand created by that development. Except for very large developments, it will rarely cover the cost of building a new GP surgery. Where several smaller developments are planned close to each other, NHS Essex may combine Section 106 funding from different developments to help fund a new GP surgery or other health facility serving those communities.
Our strategic planning role
NHS Essex also has strategic role in planning for population growth across Essex. This helps make sure councils consider healthcare needs in local plans and in major developments including the garden communities planned for Dunton, Chelmsford, and the Colchester/Tendring border.
We work to make sure future healthcare needs are recognised as early as possible. This includes considering the need for larger facilities, such as hospitals and community health services, and making sure developer contributions are secured where appropriate