A PLEDGE for a new health centre in Langley looks set to be scrapped, just weeks after it was revealed plans for a GP’s surgery are also on the rocks.

Proposals to replace the former BT Depot, in Langley Road, with a development featuring only flats and houses are to be decided on by Slough’s Planning Committee on Wednesday.

However, the land was earmarked to include a health centre as well as homes in the Slough Local Development Framework.

The blow comes a little more than two months after it was revealed plans for a health-led community hub on the Merrymakers pub site in Meadow Road – as part of a redevelopment including new homes in Trelawney Avenue – were struggling to attract NHS support for a GP’s surgery. Negotiations are still ongoing between the NHS and Slough Borough Council.

Alan Wickens, chairman of the Langley St Mary’s Neighbourhood Action Group, said: “I would have thought the plan should be looked at a bit more closely. Even something like a dentist’s would be an improvement.

“I’m rather surprised it is going to committee as being recommended for approval.

“They say all the time 'we can’t do something because of the Local Plan’ and then this probably will go ahead.” Cllr Diana Coad, for Langley St Mary’s ward, said: “It is outrageous. The original plan was for a health centre to break up the residential side so there was less traffic.

“If we provide more and more housing, we have to provide the infrastructure with hospitals, doctors and there are already insufficient health centres in Langley.

“It is just wrong.” A report on the proposal outlines reservations expressed by residents about the scheme including additional traffic and a strain on schools and, ironically, medical facilities caused by more people living in Langley, a problem the developer looks unlikely to have to financially contribute to help.

The report adds: “It is likely that the development will not be viable with the full range of contributions normally sought.

“As negotiated with other schemes where viability is an issue affordable housing is being prioritised above education, recreation and transport contributions as affordable homes are a direct benefit for the town.

“Some transport money may also be needed to make the scheme acceptable.” The Langley Road residential development will also involve building a new roundabout at the entrance to the site at the junction of Spencer Road.

Another plan to be discussed which will have a huge impact on the future of Langley is a proposal to build a new 630-place primary school, run as a free school, at the Langley Academy.

Both applications have been recommended for approval, subject to planning conditions being met.

The meeting will be held from 6.30pm at The Centre, in Farnham Road.