The NHS has approved a second application submitted by Mr Kureeman to open a replacement pharmacy, now in the old Barclays bank premises, which would provide a much expanded range of public health services.
Mr Kureeman, who has worked as a pharmacist in Ashtead for 15 years, said: “I’m really happy, especially for the elderly residents of Ashtead, that they will now have a pharmacy back where there has been one for the last 50 years.
“People are over the moon. I’m very grateful to Chris Grayling, SAVE, all my councillors, Ashtead Good Neighbours, U3A and all the residents for their support.”
Mr Kureeman’s pharmacy would include a conference room on the premises which would be used for workshops to advise patients on issues such as smoking, weight management, alcohol and diabetes.
He added: “We would collaborate with local GPs’ surgeries to look at how to deliver workshops and educational programmes for patients, with the aim of it becoming a Healthy Living Pharmacy – something which Surrey does not yet have.”
There will now be a 30-day period, which will allow anyone affected by the application to comment on it, after which Mr Kureeman said he will be able to apply to register the new pharmacy and look at securing the premises.