Controversial health centre gets go-ahead from council

9:14am Monday 29th October 2001

A STALLED project to set up an innovative health advice centre in Gravesend looks set to go ahead at new premises.

Councillors gave permission for a Healthy Living Centre, in New Road, in April despite objections from the manager of St George's Shopping Centre who said it would take up prime retail space.

After this fell through, Gravesham looked for an alternative site further up the road and the scheme to provide public health services now looks likely to go through.

In a recent report to the council's regulatory board, a planning inspector noted: “I am not persuaded the threat to the shopping function of the town centre is severe. It would not harm the vitality and viability of Gravesend.”

The information centre will include an advice bureau for people of all ages, with a cafe and offices.

Councillors have agreed to the proposal on a temporary basis until 2006 provided no hot food is sold for take-away.

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