Chase Farm Hospital undergo a £275 million re development

Enfield Council's planning committee last night voted to unanimously approve plans that will see Chase Farm Hospital undergo a £275 million re-development.The proposals will see disused land at the site for sold approximately £40 million - all of which will go towards paying for the hospital re-build.Chase Farm's Victorian buildings have become increasingly expensive to heat and keep in good repair. The new plans mean the old buildings will be demolished and a new hospital built in its place, consolidating services under one roof instead. The re-build itself is expected to cost in the region of £120m. A further £125 million from the Government and £30 million from Enfield's Clinical Commissioning Group will be provided over the next five years for the hospital's transition and to manage historic debt. Hospital chiefs have confirmed that the total £275 million investment means the hospital's future is secured for the long term.The future of Chase Farm has been a key election issue, with Labour candidate Joan Ryan distributing a number of leaflets claiming the hospital may close under a Conservative government. Enfield North Conservative MP, Nick de Bois, who spoke in favour of the application at the planning committee, told the EN Magazine: "Tonight's approval does two things - it marks a big step towards delivering world class healthcare for Enfield residents, and it exposes as fraudulent the claims of Joan Ryan that Chase Farm will close."