Plans for a new £5.5m GP surgery in Tetbury have moved a big step forward thanks to confirmation that planning permission for the scheme has been granted by Cotswold District Council.
The news means that building work to create a brand new GP surgery to replace the existing Phoenix Tetbury surgery can now progress.
The surgery will be built on land west of Worwell Farm and will provide services to over 10,000 patients.
Dr Peter Hill, GP at Phoenix Health Group, said:
“We are delighted that planning permission for our new surgery at Worwell Farm has been granted.
We received funding approval from NHS Gloucestershire in April this year and have been working with our development partner Stonewood Partnerships Limited since then to put forward a strong case for planning approval.
We would like to offer our assurances that we will work hard to create and construct an attractive and modern ‘green’ building that is accessible to our patients and that creates positive impacts on the surrounding natural environment.”
The practice has outgrown the current surgery building, which is no longer suitable for the provision of modern healthcare.
The new premises will mean that the practice team can expand and improve the range of services they provide to meet the needs of the growing local population.
The extra space in the new premises will be used for additional consulting and treatment rooms which will enable more doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to receive training and educational updates.
Modern reception and waiting areas will be more comfortable for patients and staff alike, with better levels of security, areas for privacy and good access for people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Helen Goodey, Director of Primary Care and Place at NHS Gloucestershire, said:
“NHS Gloucestershire is committed to ensuring that patients in Tetbury have access to the primary care services they need for the longer-term and plans for a new GP surgery in the town have been a key priority in the NHS Gloucestershire Primary Care Infrastructure Plan since 2016.
We have been working closely with Phoenix Health Group over the years to understand their specific proposals and endorsed the proposals back in April this year.
We know it has been particularly challenging to identify suitable and affordable sites, so we are really pleased that approval to build at Worwall Farm has been granted.”
The practice and developer will work with specialist healthcare consultants Osmond Tricks on the design and management of the development.
It is anticipated that building work with start within the next 18 months.