A new health centre in Oxford could be rejected tonight (January 5), if councillors agree with planners who say it should be turned down.

The Oxford Mail reported last month that planning officer Andy Lewis had warned the design of the Dunnock Way Health Centre in Greater Leys lacked imagination and was 'nothing to shout about.'

Now he is urging councillors to refuse permission because the design is un- acceptable.

The news will be a blow to Oxford Primary Care Trust. Time is short as building work is meant to start by mid-March, and be completed by spring 2005.

The final decision rests with the strategic development control committee which meets on January 28, but it will be guided by comments made at tonight's south east area meeting.

The centre proposed for undeveloped land near the Spar supermarket and Gillians Park would include a GP practice, pharmacy, advice and counselling services, a children's nursery and dental clinic.

Mr Lewis said that while the principle of a new health centre on the site was accepted, the final application differered widely from the original draft which councillors approved.

He said: "The submitted drawings now show 30 parking spaces, including six for people with disabilities positioned to the side of the nursery. The outline indicated 39.

"There is no dropping off space for the nursery, ambulance space or servicing area.

"The scheme is an overdevelopment of the site, of an unacceptable design that is out of character with its sur- roundings."

"Government advice is clear that local authorities should not concern themselves with matters of detailed design but where the design is so poor or out of character, they should be rejected."

Councillors also remain concerned about what will happen to the existing Blackbird Leys Health Centre in Blackbird Leys Road when it closes.

Oxford Primary Care Trust has said it would not comment on the matter until a decision had been reached. A spokesman said: "It's not appropriate for us to comment at this stage."