Plans for the new £14.9 million CDC were heard at Monday’s (13 February 2023) meeting of the Planning Committee.

This is an important milestone for getting the project completed, with the Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals Trust (BHRUT) hoping the new CDC will begin welcoming patients in December this year.

Councillors heard how the proposed development would dramatically reduce the time needed for residents to travel to vital screenings and health tests. They also heard how the plans were informed by BHRUT speaking to residents and finding out what is important for them.

Planning officers and councillors were strongly supportive of the scheme and the significant health benefits for the borough.

Planning officers hope that the legal agreement will be finalised over the coming weeks, which will leave the developer free to commence works on site and begin development of the new facility.

Over recent months, Barking Hospital has hosted mobile CT and MRI scanners, ultrasound facilities and X-ray machines which have reduced waiting lists and ensured that residents have access to the care they need.

It is planned that the proposed permanent CDC will house MRI, CT and ultrasound scanners and have suitable waiting, changing and other public facilities.

The new CDC will be eco-friendly, with it expected to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and a 56% reduction in regulated CO2 emissions against building regulations.

The new CDC will also restore car parking spaces at the hospital, which are currently being taken up by the temporary diagnostic units.

Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration, said of the proposals: “This long-awaited development is a really important step in getting this vital facility built in Barking and Dagenham.

“We’re one of the biggest housebuilding boroughs in London, so infrastructure projects like this are so important to ensuring that our residents get the care they need to live healthy and happy lives.”