THE first turf has been cut for the new doctor's surgery in Stow after months of speculation over its future.

The surgery's Facebook page shows a picture of work being done at the Tall Trees site off Maugersbury Road, by Eastabrook Architects.

Dr Judy Thornett, senior partner at Stow Surgery said: “I am delighted that work is finally getting underway and that our patients will be able to benefit from much needed, modern facilities.

"Our current surgery no longer meets modern healthcare standards, so we desperately need new premises to ensure we can continue to provide high quality services to our patients for years to come.”

The new building, which will take around 12 months to complete, will also provide 46 parking spaces for patients and staff.

Helen Goodey, director of primary care at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This is a really positive development, and it’s fantastic that the practice is working with its partners to bring much needed, modern and spacious premises to the area.

"This will ensure we can continue to provide high quality primary care for the local population into the future.”

Tim Scruton, senior director and regional head of building consultancy at GVA, said: “GVA have been helping the GPs over the past 10 years with their property matters including land search, development options and architectural solutions.

"We also are delighted that the finally approved solution is starting on site and we will continue to assist all parties through to successful completion of this critical project for Stow.”

Andrew Cooper, Assura senior development manager, said: “Stow’s GPs have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone to create the modern space that they need for their work, now and in the future.

“We’re delighted to be providing the funding to make this building a reality and look forward to working with the practice in the years to come.”

Andrew Eastabrook from Eastabrook Architects said: “We have put a lot of thought into creating an attractive, environmentally sustainable building with pleasant, light, airy rooms, and with 46 parking spaces, we hope this will be an attractive centre for both patients and staff.”

It is anticipated that subject to the construction schedule, the building will be available for use from winter 2018.

Some work has already started on the entrance to where the new building will be located in order to meet planning conditions and some of the car park levels are being finalised with the planning officer.

The development will offer seven GP consulting rooms, four nurse consulting rooms and space for phlebotomy and minor operations.

Since 2005, there have been concerns over the suitability of Stow Surgery's current premises in Well Lane and multiple planning applications for a new site have been submitted to Cotswold District Council.

In 2015, two applications for two different sites were submitted, the Tall Trees site, located opposite Stow Vets, and the 'Gypsy Field' site at Maugersbury Road.

Cotswold District Council permitted the Tall Trees application and rejected the Gypsy Field application, which was favoured by a large number of residents.

Since planning approval was gained in July 2015, the applicant, Jenny Scarsbrook has been aiming to secure funding for the site.

The delay caused other applications to be made including John Nutbourne of JRN Properties Ltd, who made another application for the 'Gypsy Field' site, which was rejected in 2015.

Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown voiced his dismay that the plans for the 'Gypsy Field' site were rejected once again in June.