THE development of a new hospital and more than 300 residential homes at the King Edward VII site in Midhurst has finally been secured after the crucial deadline period for opposition expired last week.

The future of the hospital has been in doubt in recent months with a Haslemere-based property businessman, Tony Lawson, threatening to seek a judicial review of the planning consent granted by Chichester District Council.

However Mr Lawson did not submit the request for a judicial review and the 90-day period in which to submit it to the High Court is now over, allowing the district council formally to issue a planning certificate.

The hospital's chief executive, Brian Atkins, has expressed his relief over the future development of King Edward's.

"The 90 days has only been part of what has been a long and protracted period which started at the end of 2002", said Mr Atkins.

"I think it's fair to say that everyone at the hospital and everyone associated with it is incredibly pleased and relieved."

The Herald understands that Mr Lawson sought legal advice and was informed that the council stood a good chance of surviving a judicial review. He therefore decided not to seek one but has stated that he would be keeping a watching brief on the site, and should the developers abuse any terms or conditions of legal agreements, he will take action.

Mr Lawson has made it clear throughout the process that neither he nor his group are opposed to a new hospital. But he has several concerns over the developer's plans for residential building and he believes there are not enough guarantees that NHS patients will have access to the hospital's services.

However, once the planning certificate has been received by the hospital's provisional liquidators, Shay Bannon, the sale of King Edward's and its land can now be put forward to the developer, Lincoln Holdings.

It is also expected that the healthcare provider, Capio UK, will now sign up to its role in the package injecting an estimated £21 million into the building of the new hospital.

"There is an agreement between the provisional liquidator, the developer and Capio UK, " Mr Atkins said.

"What they have now to do is just finalise their parts of it. We can then agree a date at which the hospital comes out of provisional liquidation and will transfer into Capio UK. I estimate this will happen in approximately six to eight weeks' time."

The development plan for King Edward's comprises a new hospital, conversion of the existing listed building into 198 apartments, 21 additional apartments in the outbuildings, 108 new market homes and 21 new key-worker homes for hospital and estate staff.

Preparatory building works are scheduled to start at the beginning of next year. Building of the new hospital itself will begin in 2005 and should be competed by 2007. All building work is scheduled to be completed in 2008.

In conclusion, Mr Atkins said: "On a personal basis I think we as a hospital have come through a difficult time extremely well.

"I would like to extend my appreciation to a wonderful group of staff who have shown patience, fortitude and courage to get through the last 18 months.

"They have done it without their professionalism being in any way affected, and have provided a high-quality service."