WOULD PRINCESS DIANA HAVE APPROVED HOSPITAL REVAMP? ONE LIKES TO THINK YES

Artist's impression of how the hospital might look. (The species of the flying birds is not known.)

FORMAL planning permission has this week been granted for a major expansion of Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital to incorporate a replacement main entrance lobby, a two-storey extension to the emergency care department and a new parking deck. 

Although some fine trees will have to be felled, proposed landscaping should provide some form of compensation.

The application did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by Engie case officer Owen Toop.

Says Mr Toop in his report: "The project will  support and enhance existing health infrastructure at the hospital, and this investment and enhancement to health provision for the borough is to be welcomed.

"The development has been considered in light of its potential impacts upon the area, neighbours, drainage, highways and contamination and is deemed to be acceptable."

It was back on July 26, 1983 that  Princess Diana famously visited the hospital. Would  she have approved the new scheme? One likes to think yes.

Once completed, will one of her sons be invited to cut the ribbon? Only time will tell.                                                               

Sadly the development will lead to the loss of  some fine trees

This portrait in a hospital corridor is a reminder of the smiling Princess