A MULTI million pound plan to replace an ageing hospital includes creating several other care and leisure facilities on the former steelworks site in Consett.

Outline plans for the new building, which includes a 20-bed ward and a pharmacy, have been submitted to Durham County Council.

But the scheme may not go ahead at all following the news NHS trust have been told to restrict their spending for the next financial year.

A planning application submitted to Durham County Council shows Project Genesis wants to develop the land to the south of Puddlers Corner roundabout, which is referred to as Derwent View.

If approved, and funding is secured, the development will include a sheltered care unit, residential care, vets’ practice, a gym, hotel, public house and a microbrewery.

The application statement from planning agent KLR said: “The focus for the proposed scheme is based on health provision and care, to replace facilities being lost by the inevitable closure of Shotley Bridge Hospital and address the shortfall in health care and support facilities required as a result of an ageing population and continued population growth in the area.

“This linked to a projection of housebuilding in the coming years is a significant local issue.

“The scheme includes leisure uses which will complement the existing adjacent uses and enhance the attractiveness of the town, further stimulating growth and delivering sustainable development for the community.”

The project is at risk, however, as the replacement for Shotley Bridge Hospital, and an upgrade to University Hospital of North Durham, are not included on a list of 20 hospitals due to share £850 million worth of Government cash, despite promises that the money would be available.

Laura Pidcock, MP for North West Durham, has expressed her anger that the Government has told the local North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group, that the £17 million earmarked for a new hospital facility in the Consett area to replace Shotley Bridge Hospital, is now “not guaranteed”.

NHS England has told local health managers in the area that the engagements and consultation exercise already underway would have to be put on hold.

Ms Pidcock said: “When Parliament meets again in September, I will make sure that the Government answers for this.”

Councillor Malcolm Clarke, who represents the Delves Lane Division on Durham County Council, said: “The key question is do we have the money or don’t we?

“Everyone who has taken part in the engagement and consultation process was told the money was there and we would get a new hospital.

“Nobody expected this setback and local people deserve better than what we are getting right now.”