LOCAL GP partners say they “can’t wait to move in” to the new £5.4 million health centre in Coleford, with planning permission having finally been secured last month.

An application from Coleford Family Doctors and the Brunston and Lydbrook Practice to build the new facility at The Gorse was refused by council planners in April, due to concerns about the impact of the building on nearby bat roosts.

But the scheme was approved in July on the condition that details be submitted showing that no external or internal lighting will disturb the bats or prevent them from using key corridors.

It means that works can now progress on the new centre, which NHS Gloucestershire says will provide “brand new, modern and flexible” facilities for the community.

Building works are expected to begin in the summer of 2023.

The two surgeries plan to merge into one practice when they move, in order to share resources and work more “flexibly and efficiently”.

The design of the building, shown by a new artist’s impression (pictured), has been developed by health specialist property company Osmond Tricks, and includes more than 20 new clinical rooms and a minor procedures suite.

The NHS says the additional space will allow the practices to expand their services and offer different kinds of support, such as from nurses and pharmacists, and doctors and other healthcare professionals to receive training.

The location of the centre, adjacent to The Coombs nursing home and Great Oaks Hospice, has been criticised by Coleford Town Council, district councillors and local businesses as it is not in the town centre.

It is felt that it may take further footfall away from the town, with Coleford having already lost Lloyds Bank recently, and that bus links to The Gorse are not good enough.

But the NHS says the site is in an “ideal” location for local residents, on “several” bus routes and with around 60 parking spaces provided.

Dr Sebastian Nicholls, GP Partner at Brunston and Lydbrook Practice, said: “We are very excited that our plans for primary care in Coleford are moving forward.

“Moving from three inadequate and outdated buildings into one new, attractive and efficient surgery building will make a huge difference to how well we are able to provide services in the future.

“The team from Osmond Tricks are managing this development in a thoroughly professional and efficient way and are leading us patiently through all the stages of this complex project.

“We absolutely can’t wait to move in.”

Dr Elizabeth Williams, GP Partner at Coleford Family Doctors, said: “We are delighted that our plans to bring much needed, modern and spacious healthcare facilities to Coleford can become a reality.

“Having the right space in such an accessible location will give us the base we need to continue to provide the high quality services that the people of Coleford deserve.”

Director of Primary Care and Place at NHS Gloucestershire, Helen Goodey, said: “NHS Gloucestershire endorsed the proposals back in September 2020 and we are really pleased that this development is finally moving forward.

“The people of Coleford will really benefit from a modern, spacious and environmentally friendly new health centre, with good access for people with disabilities and better facilities for children and families.”