LONG-running plans to build a new health centre in Buckley have hit yet another stumbling block.

An application to build the multi-million pound medical centre, earmarked for land at the former Ysgol Belmont on Mill Lane, was deferred by members at a Flintshire Council planning meeting following a dispute.

Mold East councillor Chris Bithell was eager to see the plans, which have been in the pipeline for 10 years, approved as soon as possible.

He told the meeting: “There is a huge need for this facility in Buckley.

“If we carry on like this Buckley will never get its health centre.

“At the end of the day there are no major objections to this. It would be to the detriment of the people of Buckley if we don’t pass this.”

Deputy opposition leader Cllr Bernie Attridge agreed, and said: “I think it is time the application was dealt with and I fully support it.” But reluctant Buckley councillors said more work was needed on the plans.

Concerns have been raised by members of the public over the lack of parking and the increased congestion the development will bring to the already overstretched highway infrastructure.

Buckley Bistre East councillor Richard Jones said: “The Town Council is fully supportive.

“But we have to be mindful of the concerns because we have issues regarding access . We support it but we wish to get it right.”

Plans for the health centre were plunged into doubt when the Marches Medical Centre pulled out of the development last year.

Flintshire Local Health Board is currently devising a scaled-down version of the original application.

If the development is given the green light and a funding bid to the Welsh Assembly is approved work is expected to start in late 2012.

Plans will be re-submitted following a site visit by councillors.