Planning approval for eye clinic at The Boulevard
The planning application was lodged by TSA Planning Ltd, Belfast, on behalf of Episo 4, Banbridge, a company based in Luxembourg.
In their report, the planners wrote: “The centre will provide screening, investigations, and interventions for patients with cataracts, and will be complementary to the existing NHS services.
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Hide Ad"The centre is intended to attract world-class ophthalmologists, be a centre for national and international training for clinicians, and will be recognised as a centre of innovation.
"Solasta Healthcare will be a dedicated 'one-stop shop', designed to be the leading-edge facility of the Independent sector provision in the ophthalmology market.
“The operational requirement was for accommodation of circa 370 sq. m., across a single floorplate with convenient access to good quality road infrastructure to cater for patients from across Ireland, and safe/accessible parking facilities.
"These elements are required to ensure the safety of visually-impaired patients accessing and leaving the clinic.”
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Hide AdThe report goes on to note that an extensive search for suitable premises in Banbridge town centre was to no avail: “At present there is a vacancy rate of 15.2% in Banbridge town centre.
"The submitted reports reviewed all accommodation available, and assessed these on the basis of whether they were viable or suitable for the proposed use/business.
"As part of the process, they also reviewed all available development sites within the town centre and edge-of-town-centre locations.
“In total, 22 available commercial properties were considered in Banbridge town centre. All of the properties assessed were either unviable or unsuitable for the proposed use.
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Hide Ad"In most cases the size of the units available was unsuitable, while parking provision was also an issue.
“The proposal represents a significant investment from the private sector. The investment for the proposal is £700,000, and the facility will employ 10-12 people.”