PERMISSION has been given for changes to the approved design of a village health centre.

They were put forward at the two storey primary healthcare centre on land adjoining Exchange House on Vicarage Lane, Bunbury.

The practice's premises are inadequate with very restricted floor space, Crewe and Nantwich development control committee was told in a report.

Planning permission was agreed 12 months ago for the replacement centre, proposed by Prime UK Developments Ltd.

Councillors heard the centre set in open countryside would enable patient services to be delivered in accordance with the latest NHS requirements.

The proposed changes, mainly relating to the rooflines of the centre, were supported by Bunbury Parish Council.

Councillors accept the centre would occupy a sensitive greenfield site, but believe the provision of a modern, purpose built health centre outweighed the effect on the conservation area, between Lower and Higher Bunbury.

Recommending the application should be approved, planning officers described the proposed changes as `relatively modest' and said the building would still be of a very similar design to that originally approved.

The committee agreed the changes should have permission.