DROITWICH Spa's much-needed health centre was finally given the go ahead despite a row over car parking.

The scheme, submitted by Alfred McAlpine Capital Projects, will replace the former magistrates court in Ombersley Street East. It was given the thumbs up by councillors at a meeting of Wychavon District Council's development control committee. But it came as a row erupted among planning members over perceived insufficient parking for the development. Planning officers were recommending the application be refused - with one of the grounds being that 78 proposed parking spaces were not enough. Councillor Margaret Rowley was one of the members who raised concerns over parking - making reference to the issues at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Patients and visitors have criticised a lack of spaces at the city hospital ever since it opened in April 2002. Cllr Rowley said: "I'd refer members to the situation at Worcestershire Royal Hospital where the parking was not enough and I think it's a danger in saying extra spaces are not needed."

But councillors agreed to approve the development, saying officers' reasons for proposing refusal were pathetic. The proposed health centre development is part of a bigger scheme under which the services will be transferred there from the existing health centre with that, in turn, being redeveloped. Councillor Pam Davey said: "We've been waiting for years for something in Droitwich - we're not going to get a new hospital but what we desperately need is an upgrade of the health centre.

"The conditions the staff are working in are totally unacceptable and the limitations on the existing site are limiting the modern procedures that can be provided."

The development will be constructed next to the police station together with a pharmacy. It will include doctors' rooms, physiotherapy bays and space for nurses, food specialists and midwives. Approval was made subject to planning officers addressing several issues surrounding the development including landscaping and trees to be retained.

Councillor Terry Spencer said: "We need this facility badly in Droitwich. These people are working in ridiculous conditions - almost Third World - and we've waited many years for this."