Friday 24th July 2020
[Update to Save the Northern Meadows Facebook page]
A brief update following my meeting with Velindre Trust this morning. Thank you to everyone who got in touch with me with their questions following yesterday’s Facebook post. I was unable to ask all the questions due to time constraints of the meeting but will again submit further written questions for those that are outstanding.
Clinical Model
I raised concerns over the current clinical model. Velindre advised the clinical model has been subject to regular scrutiny and review. I also passed on constituents’ request for an independent expert review to ensure the current model is up to date and reflects current thinking. Velindre tell me they’re aware of the need to ensure their thinking is developed to keep up with the fast-pace of oncology and this will be taken into consideration. They will provide me with more information on this.
Unsuitability of Whitchurch Hospital Site
This was raised again as many constituents are still flagging this. Velindre has maintained the reasons set out in the report from Architect John Cooper – I have published the commentary on my website here: https://www.annamcmorrin.co.uk/2020/07/24/documents/
Velindre has also advised that the LINAC machines used on cancer patients for radiation treatment could not be installed on this site.
Flooding
Raised issue of flooding given the flooding in Whitchurch in Feb and steps taken to mitigate. Am told Hydrology report was undertaken in 2017 and since Jan 2019 development must comply with Welsh Govt sustainable drainage policy. At time of development going out to competition there will be an obligation on developers to comply with this and ensure that the scheme is ‘future proof’.
Traffic at McDonalds/Starbucks
Lockdown has seen large tailbacks at McDonalds/Starbucks causing disruption. With uncertainty of second wave this needed to be given consideration. Velindre tell me the scheme would split the flow of traffic. It would put a new feeder road so able to get traffic into Asda, McDonalds and into their site separately. A designated turning lane would help alleviate traffic. They will provide me with more info on this.
Car Park
Many have raised a potential eye sore car park of up to 800 spaces. Velindre say they’d be happy to commit to something less intrusive which uses the natural levels of the land so a cark park could be under the surface and cut into the land.
Up to Date Tree Survey
Velindre tell me this hasn’t been finalised yet as they are in the tender process with the bridge constructors and determining level of construction. I.e. they could realise a simpler bridge construction which would reduce the number of trees. Need to get clarity on this.
Were the Merthyr and Llanishen sites considered?
Velindre advise the Merthyr site wasn’t considered because the search for sites were conducted within the NHS estate. Merthyr would not have been an ideal location and the Llanishen site was occupied at the time of consideration.
Further questions I’m awaiting a more comprehensive response on:
- Can we move access roads so less intrusive?
- Will there be a technical review of the bridges?
- How will Velindre ensure that 40% commitment is respected?
- What assessments have been made in light of recent Welsh Government report on places and place making?
- What construction standards are Velindre holding the development to?
- Can Velindre clarify intentions for the conservation area AKA the secret garden?
I am regularly updating the Save The Northern Meadows team on key concerns, however if there is anything you’d like to get in touch with me about please do not hesitate to email me on anna.mcmorrin.mp@parliament.uk.
Friday 17th July 2020
[Update to Save the Northern Meadows Facebook page]
It was great to speak to Save the Northern Meadow Campaign again today to discuss concerns about the Velindre development and what steps I am taking to represent your views.
At my request, I have been meeting Velindre Trust bi-weekly to ensure that the views expressed by local residents are reflected and concerns are answered. On Friday I met with Velindre again and raised key questions that had been highlighted, for example:
– Why not the Grange Hospital?
– Why not the Whitchurch Hospital Site?
– Has there been an independent clinical review?
Many constituents have also sent me a copy of a letter from Dr Ashley Roberts. I have requested detailed written responses to the letter from Velindre, as well as to the key concerns outlined by constituents and the Save the Northern Meadows campaign.
Responses to my letters to the Future Generations Commissioner and the Health Minister Vaughan Gething MS regarding the development can be found on my website and I will update it with the written responses from the Trust once those are received.
Please remember that whilst the application deadline for public consultation has closed, as your Member of Parliament I am still able to raise concerns, so if you haven’t already done so, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your views and I will ensure they’re reflected in my formal submission to the Council.