CONCERNS over access have halted plans for a new medical centre in Broughton-in-Furness.

Doctors Clayson, Hall and Wilson applied to the Lake District National Park Authority for permission to build a new surgery on land off Occupation Lane.

The new doctors, whose practice is in Kirkby-in-Furness, have been appointed by the health authority to provide medical cover for Broughton following the retirement of Dr Bates after 35 years service.

The applicants say they need to find different premises because Dr Bates owned the building and it is unsuitable for access for disabled people.

Having looked for a suitable site, the doctors say there are no existing buildings which match their requirements.

They are now proposing to build a new purpose-designed surgery off Occupation Lane, on a site that is close to the centre with easy access on foot or by car and ample space for parking.

However, the plans have attracted opposition from local people, especially residents of Broughton Park. Some 21 letters of objection have been received by the Lake District National Park Authority.

The objectors' main concern is the adequacy of the proposed access, which they claim could endanger cyclists and pedestrians and exacerbate parking problems.

The highway authority is also recommending a series of improvements to the access before the scheme goes ahead.

Several residents attended a meeting of the development control committee to express their misgivings.

Alan Grace said the scheme would have a big impact on Broughton Park and he was concerned about how the development would affect the area's flooding problems, traffic numbers and road safety.

He said the centre could attract up to 100 visitors and 50 cars a day.

Committee members, who had previously deferred the plans to visit the site, were also concerned about the access arrangements.

The committee decided to defer the application again and asked planning officers to negotiate with the applicants to improve the design of the access.