Patients and staff trying to get into the William Harvey Hospital during the construction of Junction 10a will soon be able to use a new entrance at the rear of the site.

Ashford Borough Council has approved plans submitted by the East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust to allow drivers to use the previously padlocked gate leading to Hinxhill Road.

Trust bosses are currently widening the access point and will open it to motorists when the work is completed.

In the planning application submitted to ABC, planning agent Cathy McNab from Lee Evans Planning said the hospital is facing congestion issues.

Highways chiefs are building the £104m Junction 10a not far from the site, with works expected to continue until 2020.

Ms McNab said: “The current construction works associated with Junction 10a of the M20 are causing tailbacks and severe congestion at the main entrance to the hospital from Kennington Road.

“This is obstructing emergency vehicles, staff and patients access to the hospital and impacting on the efficient operation of the hospital.”

A spokesman from the hospital trust says staff have been asked to “drive respectfully”.

On the planning application, neighbours in The Street had raised concerns about the extra traffic.

The trust spokesman said: “ABC has given permission for staff, patients and visitors to use the rear access gate on the William Harvey Hospital site while the Junction 10a roadworks on the M20 are occurring.

“Work is being carried out to widen the gate access, after which it will be opened.

“This will provide an alternative route for coast-bound travelling staff or visitors to take on their journey home while the M20 improvements continue.

“The trust is mindful of our neighbours next to the hospital site, and has asked staff to drive respectfully.

“Ambulances will continue to use their usual route into the hospital.”

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