Plans for a new hospital serving Lochaber have moved a significant step closer after councillors approved NHS Highland’s planning application for the long awaited development.
The Highland Council’s Planning Applications Committee has given formal approval for the proposed new Lochaber Hospital, paving the way for the replacement of the ageing Belford Hospital in Fort William.
NHS Highland submitted its planning application in February, with the approval marking a major milestone in one of the Highlands’ most important healthcare projects.
The proposed hospital has been designed to provide modern healthcare facilities for patients, staff and visitors while responding to the changing healthcare needs of communities across Lochaber.
Alongside new clinical facilities, the development aims to create a welcoming environment that reflects the character of the area while incorporating sustainable and low carbon design principles throughout.
NHS Highland Chief Executive Fiona Davies described the decision as a landmark moment for healthcare in Lochaber.
She said:
“This is a landmark moment in the redesign of health and social care services in Lochaber, and I want to thank the local communities for their support with this project over the last few years.
“This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and planning by our colleagues in Lochaber and the wider teams.
“They have gone over and above to help us secure this milestone and I am grateful for their efforts.
“We also recognise the work of our partners in this project, Balfour Beatty and Keppie Design, and we will continue to work closely with them throughout the next steps of this exciting process.
“We continue to build momentum with this project and I am excited about working closely with our partners and local communities as we take the next steps forward together.”
Alongside securing planning permission, NHS Highland has also submitted its Outline Business Case to the Scottish Government.
The document sets out the case for investment in the new hospital and details proposals for future healthcare services in Lochaber, including a stronger focus on intensive rehabilitation and delivering more elective treatment locally.
Health leaders say the new model is intended to support sustainable healthcare provision while strengthening integrated services across NHS Highland.
A decision from the Scottish Government on the Outline Business Case is expected later this summer.
For communities across Lochaber, the planning approval represents another important step towards replacing the Belford Hospital and delivering modern healthcare facilities designed to serve the area for decades to come.
