Integral Health practice manager Peter Mullen wants Armidale Dumaresq Council to approve plans to build more consulting rooms and hire another doctor.

The decision to expand the practice was taken after the practice was granted federal government funding to increase its registrar doctor training capacity and to also support the hosting of medical and nursing students.

But on Tuesday, councillors delayed a decision after receiving conflicting advice on parking recommendations.

The practice currently has 16 parking spaces available, easily meeting council requirements according to its own documents, Mr Mullen said.

But after hearing objections to the planned development from nearby residents, Andrew Murat sought clarification on parking requirements.

Cr Murat claimed Council guidelines suggested a minimum of 28 parking space be made available.

So councillors deferred a decision pending clarification.

“We were bemused and very disappointed by Council seeming to have two versions of the development control plan,” Mr Mullen said.

“With regard to resident concerns re parking on the street, I should also point out that we suggested to Council that they institute a review and consider limited parking times in front of or in the surrounds of the practice.”

Monday’s decision could also “compromise what is essentially a small development, that has a proven need with huge potential benefits to our community, by stalling the process and placing additional costs on a small business”, Mr Mullen said.

“I have been contacted on at least three occasions in the past year by a range of specialists and allied health professionals looking for rooms to enable them to service Armidale on a regular basis. 

“Again surely being able to accommodate these visiting health professionals can only benefit our community.”