Kettering General Hospital plans new multi

A hospital has sought planning permission for a new multi-storey car park as part of preparations for its future redevelopment.

Kettering General Hospital (KGH) has proposed to develop a seven-storey car park with capacity for 662 vehicles.

Under the Conservative government KGH was among 25 hospitals given funding for redevelopment as part of the New Hospital Programme in England. In September the government said it would be reviewing the funding .

Polly Grimmett, the strategy director for the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire Group, said it was "important" to carry out preparatory work to ensure the hospital was "ready for the rebuild", while they wait for the government's decision.

The hospital said it aimed to begin the construction of the multi-storey car park in 2025, with completion expected in 2026, to support preparations for the hospital's redevelopment which is scheduled for 2027.

To avoid delays, the hospital said it was progressing with essential planning processes while it awaited the outcome of the government's review.

The proposed car park will replace parking spaces that were lost during a previous rebuild at the site. It would include features to improve disabled access such as internal lifts and a bridge connecting the car park to the main hospital building.

It would also feature cycle storage, changing facilities and electric vehicle charging points.

A drop-in information session for the public over the plans will take place in Newlands Shopping Centre on 28 November between 13:30 and 17:30 GMT.