OUTLINE planning permission is being sought for an urgent treatment centre on the grounds of Cumberland Infirmary.

The proposed development, at Carlisle's Newtown Road hospital, aims to alleviate lengthy waiting times and the high demand that the existing accident and emergency (A&E) department contends with.

The application has been submitted to Cumberland Council by Summit Town Planning on behalf of the North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust on July 15.

The outline application indicates that the new treatment centre would stand adjacent to the current A&E department.

To do so, it proposes a redevelopment of the current car park area.

The application assures that sufficient ambulance and staff parking will be provided for the treatment centre, and the car parking spaces to be lost in the process will be moved within the hospital grounds, subject to a separate planning application.

The proposal for the centre itself includes 12 consultation rooms, separate waiting areas for adults and children, along with storage spaces.

It is envisaged the building will be single-storey.

The planning report states that the site’s layout is restrictive making the improvement and addition of services difficult, however, the proposed spot for the new unit is believed to be the best fit.

The Cumberland Infirmary has already been subject to substantial redevelopment in recent years, including the creation of the £35m Northern Centre for Cancer Care.

“The provision of an Urgent Treatment Centre will provide an improvement to those seeking urgent care but not requiring the level of care provided via A&E.

“The redevelopment will both improve patient services and improve staff facilities within the Centre. This will have substantial benefits.

“It is considered that the proposal is fully compliant with national and local policies and will bring significant public benefits to the community of Cumbria.

"Without the development services will continue to be below those needed.

"Care has been taken to ensure that the development is acceptable visually and that the patient journey within the building is effective," the report states.