Planning officers have recommended councillors refuse the Vicarage Road proposal over pollution concerns.

While they say it would "substantially improve health care facilities", they believe the development would have a negative impact on air quality, especially at on Chapel Street which is a designated air quality management area (AQMA)."

The three storey Primary Care Centre would be built on behalf of North Lancashire Primary Care Trust to house existing GP practices Lockwood Avenue, Queensway and Princess Avenue as well as other medical services, children's centre and cafe.

The proposal would also involve demolishing St Chad's Hall and building a replacement as well as the creation of two tennis courts at Moorland Tennis Club off Breck Road.

But the plans have come under fire from many local residents.

Around 300 gathered at Hodgson High School last night for a meeting organised by CROP (Concerned Residents of Poulton) to air their concerns ahead of next Wednesday's crunch council planning meeting.

John Bailie, leader of CROP which supports an alternative site for the health centre at Station Road, said: "We are trying to be constructively critical of what is planned for Vicarage Road. The centre should be built on Station Road which is crying out to be developed."

Residents' main concerns are increased traffic in an already congested town centre, the size of the building and the loss of 3.7 per cent of Vicarage Road Park.

FOR THE FULL STORY SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE.