A DECISION on a controversial 100-hour pharmacy is due to be made this month.

Danbury Medical Centre has applied to Chelmsford Council for part of its premises at Eves Corner, Danbury, to be transformed into a pharmacy.

However, the move has met with opposition from local people, the parish council and Boots, which runs a pharmacy next door.

Currently there are two portable buildings at the medical centre’s Lee House site to relieve the pressure on space within the main surgery building.

Representations to Chelmsford Council by Danbury Parish Council said: “It is not appropriate to reduce space in the surgery to create a retail pharmacy which could be provided elsewhere.”

It was also claimed the proposals would “exacerbate an already difficult daytime parking situation in surrounding streets”.

The parish council pointed to retail premises in the village lying empty, and that a new medical facility would be available adjacent to the Danbury Mission, in Maldon Road, in approximately 18 months’ time, with planning permission having being granted in 2008.

Boots has also objected to the application on the grounds that there is no need for another pharmacy in the area.

In a letter to the council, Hannah Wraithe, assistant estates surveyor, said: “On the site at present are two portable buildings which are used by the doctors surgery due to the lack of space on site.

“This is in complete contrast to the current application which seems to suggest the health centre can lose four internal rooms in order to submit an application for a use which is not required in the area.”

A decision on the change of use application is due to be made by Chelmsford Council by June 20.