Temporary theatre at hospital given a year longer

The hospital, based in Longden Road, Shrewsbury, applied for an extension to the temporary unit for three years, but Shropshire Council's central planning committee unanimously decided to cut it short at one year.

Objections were raised by Shrewsbury Town Council and nearby residents as to noise from the generator.

Councillor Roger Evans, for Longden, suggested the extension be for a year.

He said: "I would suggest a one year extension on the expectation that a more permanent solution is going to come forward or alterations will be made to make that structure permanent.

"I recognise the need for it and the treatment that it gives."

Councillor Alex Phillips, for Bagley, added: "It's a sensible compromise considering it's a medical facility."

Councillor Tony Parsons, for Bayston Hill, Column and Sutton, said that the decision would get some momentum in resolving the issues.

He said: "To have that considerable period of time might get some momentum in resolving some of the issues that are a cause of concern to the next door neighbour."

Councillor Nick Hignett, for Rea Valley, said: "It's been on site since 2004, when does the word temporary not mean anything anymore?

"It could be another 20 or 30 years."

The building is sited to the west of the main hospital building and is raised off the ground on concrete pads 1.5 metres tall with the operating theatre measuring eight metres wide by 16 metres long.

A linking corridor to the main building is also provided. The flat roofed operating theatre is four metres in height with a plant room above measuring three metres wide by 11.4 metres long also to a height of four metres.

The plant room is situated to the southern corner of the flat roof of the operating theatre.

The temporary plant room and theatre was given permission to remain for another year.