HSE expects to submit further information on Hospice plan later this month
The HSE has said this week that it expects to submit further information regarding its planning application for the Midlands Hospice to Offaly County Council this month.
In a statement issued to the Offaly Independent, it said: "The HSE is on track to submit a response for further information by mid-September, two months ahead of the statutory period provided for in the planning process which is six months.
"The HSE has been actively engaging with key stakeholders and the design team to finalise the required information."
The HSE first lodged a planning application for the development in April. The proposed development consists of a new hospice catering for 20 inpatient beds on a site at Arden Lane, Tullamore, complete with ancillary services, including a Day Therapy Unit and an education centre. Some 80 car parking spaces including seven accessibility bays, and 15 bicycle stands also form part of the plans, as does a set down area and one mini-bus parking bay.
Road improvement works are to be carried out on Arden Lane, to include footpath and pedestrian crossings, and redirected access onto R421 Arden Road roundabout via a new connection to the access road. Planning documents indicate that the hospice would be accessed via a new priority-controlled T-junction on Arden Lane.
In May, Offaly County Council sought further information on a number of issues.
The council has requested evidence from the HSE of legal authority for the application. “Only three of the named owners of Folio 1818F have given written consent and there is also no evidence that the Pitch and Putt Club, as owner of Folio 1418F has given its approval or consent,” the letter requesting further information stated.
It also requested the consent of the relevant landowners of the roadside verge, where the roadside verge is to be used to upgrade Arden Lane.
It has sought a new proposal tightening the junction connecting the new access road to the L-20032-1 as its current design may lead to speeding, it said. Information regarding sightlines and inter-visibility between drivers at the yield line on Arden Lane was also sought.
The council has requested the HSE to address a number of issues that it considers relevant to the size, design and layout of the building which were raised at pre-planning meetings.
These included queries relating to non-inclusion of hoists into patient ensuite bathrooms; how OT and Physio equipment storage space was calculated; mortuary/cold room; numbers of clinical staff attending and the space requirements to accommodate same; and possibility of a children’s playroom.