PLANS have been approved for a new “homely centre” that will support cancer patients and their family members at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan.

The proposals, put forward by “Maggie’s”, a charity providing free cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online, were green-lit by Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee yesterday (October 26).

There will also be a “secret garden” at the south and east of the building that will provide respite from the clinical world.

In addition, the centre will comprise numerous meeting spaces, and cater for "group support and individual reflection”.

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Extracts from a design and access statement read: “Whilst some oncology and haematology services are also delivered at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor Hospital, the largest number of cancer patients and their families are treated at Glan Clwyd.

"There are approximately 4,600 new cancers diagnosed across North Wales every year, and there is a growing need for additional psychological and emotional support for patients and family members.

"A Maggie’s in North Wales would mean Maggie’s have full coverage of the country.

"Once Maggie’s North Wales is established at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Maggie’s is committed to working with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to create accessible cancer support across the region, particularly at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor Hospital."

Space for the centre is being created by re-arranging part of the existing car park and verge area at the main site entrance.

This was deemed the most appropriate site following discussions with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Sarah Atherton, Conservative MP for Wrexham, wrote a letter to Denbighshire County Council in September, urging it to “process this planning application as soon as possible”.

In her letter, she wrote that development of this centre would be to the benefit of many of her constituents.

When consulted on the plans last month, Natural Resources Wales raised no objections.

Welsh Water also did not object, providing that the development protects watermains systems and does not overload sewage systems or pollute the environment.

The design and access statement added: "After investigation of several suggested sites within the hospital grounds, it was decided that the most appropriate site was the piece of land on the south side of the southern entrance into the hospital campus from Rhuddlan Road.

"The proposed new centre is therefore positioned directly opposite the southeast facing main entrance to the hospital, from which it is possible to access the cancer centre."

The Maggie's centre will be a building that patients can visit as often as they like, and a place where expert medical advice, as well as “practical, psychological and emotional support,” can be given.