Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre

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Wealden District Council is progressing plans to deliver a new, modern, purpose‑built medical centre to serve the communities of Polegate and Willingdon. The proposed facility responds to a critical shortage in local GP capacity and will help meet current and future healthcare needs across the area.

The Council is working in partnership with the Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) and local GP practices to facilitate delivery of a high‑quality, sustainable primary care facility that supports improved access to healthcare services and long‑term community wellbeing.

Why a new medical centre is needed

Existing GP premises in the Polegate and Willingdon area are undersized and face increasing pressure due to population growth, changes in healthcare delivery, and rising patient demand.

A new medical centre would:

  • Increase capacity for GP and treatment services
  • Provide modern, accessible facilities aligned with NHS standards
  • Improve patient experience and accessibility
  • Support long‑term healthcare provision for the local community


Location and planning status

The proposed medical centre will be located at the Hindsland site, which was selected following feasibility work due to its existing outline planning permission, infrastructure connections, and suitability for development.

  • Outline planning permission for a medical centre was granted in 2022.
  • A reserved matters planning application was approved on 29 October 2025.
  • The site is now owned by Wealden District Council, enabling a council‑led delivery approach.

Proposed design and facilities

The approved proposals for the new medical centre include:

  • A purpose‑built building of up to three storeys
  • Fully step‑free and accessible design throughout
  • 85 parking spaces, including accessible bays and ambulance access
  • Reception and waiting areas designed to improve patient flow
  • Clinical space to accommodate two GP practices
  • An on‑site pharmacy

The building has been designed for flexibility to support future healthcare models and potential extended services.

Sustainability and accessibility

Sustainability has been embedded into the project’s design and delivery principles. The proposed building is intended to meet BREEAM Excellent standards and includes:

  • Low‑carbon and energy‑efficient materials
  • Solar panels and efficient building systems
  • Electric vehicle charging points
  • Secure cycle storage and pedestrian access

The project aligns with NHS sustainability objectives and the Council’s Climate Emergency Plan, supporting the transition towards a net‑zero future.

Patient engagement

The GP practices involved are currently (March/ April 2026) leading a patient engagement exercise regarding the proposed new medical centre.

Patients are encouraged to:

  • Raise questions and provide feedback directly through their GP practice
  • Share views on how services can best be delivered from the new facility

This approach ensures feedback is managed by those best placed to consider service delivery and patient care requirements. The Council will continue to support engagement alongside NHS partners.

Further updates will be shared on this page as the project moves forward.

Site Plan - September 2025


Wealden District Council is progressing plans to deliver a new, modern, purpose‑built medical centre to serve the communities of Polegate and Willingdon. The proposed facility responds to a critical shortage in local GP capacity and will help meet current and future healthcare needs across the area.

The Council is working in partnership with the Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) and local GP practices to facilitate delivery of a high‑quality, sustainable primary care facility that supports improved access to healthcare services and long‑term community wellbeing.

Why a new medical centre is needed

Existing GP premises in the Polegate and Willingdon area are undersized and face increasing pressure due to population growth, changes in healthcare delivery, and rising patient demand.

A new medical centre would:

  • Increase capacity for GP and treatment services
  • Provide modern, accessible facilities aligned with NHS standards
  • Improve patient experience and accessibility
  • Support long‑term healthcare provision for the local community


Location and planning status

The proposed medical centre will be located at the Hindsland site, which was selected following feasibility work due to its existing outline planning permission, infrastructure connections, and suitability for development.

  • Outline planning permission for a medical centre was granted in 2022.
  • A reserved matters planning application was approved on 29 October 2025.
  • The site is now owned by Wealden District Council, enabling a council‑led delivery approach.

Proposed design and facilities

The approved proposals for the new medical centre include:

  • A purpose‑built building of up to three storeys
  • Fully step‑free and accessible design throughout
  • 85 parking spaces, including accessible bays and ambulance access
  • Reception and waiting areas designed to improve patient flow
  • Clinical space to accommodate two GP practices
  • An on‑site pharmacy

The building has been designed for flexibility to support future healthcare models and potential extended services.

Sustainability and accessibility

Sustainability has been embedded into the project’s design and delivery principles. The proposed building is intended to meet BREEAM Excellent standards and includes:

  • Low‑carbon and energy‑efficient materials
  • Solar panels and efficient building systems
  • Electric vehicle charging points
  • Secure cycle storage and pedestrian access

The project aligns with NHS sustainability objectives and the Council’s Climate Emergency Plan, supporting the transition towards a net‑zero future.

Patient engagement

The GP practices involved are currently (March/ April 2026) leading a patient engagement exercise regarding the proposed new medical centre.

Patients are encouraged to:

  • Raise questions and provide feedback directly through their GP practice
  • Share views on how services can best be delivered from the new facility

This approach ensures feedback is managed by those best placed to consider service delivery and patient care requirements. The Council will continue to support engagement alongside NHS partners.

Further updates will be shared on this page as the project moves forward.

Site Plan - September 2025


CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share When will it be available to use on Facebook Share When will it be available to use on Twitter Share When will it be available to use on Linkedin Email When will it be available to use link

    When will it be available to use

    tomwsspencer@gmail. asked 7 days ago

    The project timeline is shown and updated on this page. At present we hope to begin construction later this year, with a completion date in 2028.

  • Share With the single building it seems uneconomical to operate two separate practices instead of combining the two practices and benefiting from the economies of scale this brings by combining administrative functions. Combining really should be considered, the location and building looks on paper a huge improvement. on Facebook Share With the single building it seems uneconomical to operate two separate practices instead of combining the two practices and benefiting from the economies of scale this brings by combining administrative functions. Combining really should be considered, the location and building looks on paper a huge improvement. on Twitter Share With the single building it seems uneconomical to operate two separate practices instead of combining the two practices and benefiting from the economies of scale this brings by combining administrative functions. Combining really should be considered, the location and building looks on paper a huge improvement. on Linkedin Email With the single building it seems uneconomical to operate two separate practices instead of combining the two practices and benefiting from the economies of scale this brings by combining administrative functions. Combining really should be considered, the location and building looks on paper a huge improvement. link

    With the single building it seems uneconomical to operate two separate practices instead of combining the two practices and benefiting from the economies of scale this brings by combining administrative functions. Combining really should be considered, the location and building looks on paper a huge improvement.

    mrlebon asked 10 days ago

    The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.

  • Share Appointments - I have been with Downlands for over 60 years, but getting an appointment to see a doctor is a nightmare. I have been number 3 in the queue first thing in the morning, after getting through only to be told all appointments to see a doctor have gone - how can this be? Will this be improved? Will non routine appointment lead times be shortened? What guarantees can you give? Patients are very frustrated to say the least. Access - Being located just off the main road, will there be traffic lights, pedestrian crossing, installed for safety reasons? Parking - With 85 parking spaces provided, how many are expected to be taken up by staff, doctors, etc? Services - Is there a list of all the services that will be provided? Over recent years, more and more services are not carried out and left for individuals to organise themselves. Is it expected that any will be reinstated? Thank you on Facebook Share Appointments - I have been with Downlands for over 60 years, but getting an appointment to see a doctor is a nightmare. I have been number 3 in the queue first thing in the morning, after getting through only to be told all appointments to see a doctor have gone - how can this be? Will this be improved? Will non routine appointment lead times be shortened? What guarantees can you give? Patients are very frustrated to say the least. Access - Being located just off the main road, will there be traffic lights, pedestrian crossing, installed for safety reasons? Parking - With 85 parking spaces provided, how many are expected to be taken up by staff, doctors, etc? Services - Is there a list of all the services that will be provided? Over recent years, more and more services are not carried out and left for individuals to organise themselves. Is it expected that any will be reinstated? Thank you on Twitter Share Appointments - I have been with Downlands for over 60 years, but getting an appointment to see a doctor is a nightmare. I have been number 3 in the queue first thing in the morning, after getting through only to be told all appointments to see a doctor have gone - how can this be? Will this be improved? Will non routine appointment lead times be shortened? What guarantees can you give? Patients are very frustrated to say the least. Access - Being located just off the main road, will there be traffic lights, pedestrian crossing, installed for safety reasons? Parking - With 85 parking spaces provided, how many are expected to be taken up by staff, doctors, etc? Services - Is there a list of all the services that will be provided? Over recent years, more and more services are not carried out and left for individuals to organise themselves. Is it expected that any will be reinstated? Thank you on Linkedin Email Appointments - I have been with Downlands for over 60 years, but getting an appointment to see a doctor is a nightmare. I have been number 3 in the queue first thing in the morning, after getting through only to be told all appointments to see a doctor have gone - how can this be? Will this be improved? Will non routine appointment lead times be shortened? What guarantees can you give? Patients are very frustrated to say the least. Access - Being located just off the main road, will there be traffic lights, pedestrian crossing, installed for safety reasons? Parking - With 85 parking spaces provided, how many are expected to be taken up by staff, doctors, etc? Services - Is there a list of all the services that will be provided? Over recent years, more and more services are not carried out and left for individuals to organise themselves. Is it expected that any will be reinstated? Thank you link

    Appointments - I have been with Downlands for over 60 years, but getting an appointment to see a doctor is a nightmare. I have been number 3 in the queue first thing in the morning, after getting through only to be told all appointments to see a doctor have gone - how can this be? Will this be improved? Will non routine appointment lead times be shortened? What guarantees can you give? Patients are very frustrated to say the least. Access - Being located just off the main road, will there be traffic lights, pedestrian crossing, installed for safety reasons? Parking - With 85 parking spaces provided, how many are expected to be taken up by staff, doctors, etc? Services - Is there a list of all the services that will be provided? Over recent years, more and more services are not carried out and left for individuals to organise themselves. Is it expected that any will be reinstated? Thank you

    IanF asked 10 days ago

    The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.

  • Share Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives. on Facebook Share Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives. on Twitter Share Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives. on Linkedin Email Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives. link

    Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives.

    Sarah asked about 1 month ago

    The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.

  • Share Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery on Facebook Share Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery on Twitter Share Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery on Linkedin Email Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery link

    Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery

    Rachel asked about 1 month ago

    The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.

  • Share The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand. on Facebook Share The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand. on Twitter Share The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand. on Linkedin Email The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand. link

    The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand.

    DJ Mike asked about 1 month ago

    The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.

  • Share If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice? on Facebook Share If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice? on Twitter Share If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice? on Linkedin Email If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice? link

    If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice?

    liz asked about 1 month ago

    The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.

  • Share Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises. on Facebook Share Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises. on Twitter Share Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises. on Linkedin Email Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises. link

    Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises.

    Maxine asked about 1 month ago

    The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.

  • Share 1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware. on Facebook Share 1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware. on Twitter Share 1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware. on Linkedin Email 1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware. link

    1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware.

    Martin asked about 1 month ago

    You are correct that there are no other new retail premises other than the Pharmacy. The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.

  • Share What is this all about please ? on Facebook Share What is this all about please ? on Twitter Share What is this all about please ? on Linkedin Email What is this all about please ? link

    What is this all about please ?

    Sohanmati asked about 1 month ago

    We are creating a modern, purpose-built medical centre in Polegate and Willingdon. This new facility responds to a critical shortage in local GP services and represents a major step toward improving healthcare for current and future residents.

    The centre is designed to meet growing healthcare needs by providing a high-quality, sustainable facility for two GP practices. Our goal is to improve access to care, support new models of integrated health delivery, and promote long-term wellbeing across the area.

    The centre will be located at the Hindsland site, which was approved in June 2025 following detailed feasibility studies. This location was chosen for its existing planning permission, good infrastructure links, and minimal ecological impact. Approval of a reserved matters planning application was granted on 29 October 2025.

Page last updated: 14 Apr 2026, 01:57 PM