A LONG-running battle over a new doctors' surgery has reached a resolution.

Tall Trees doctor's surgery in Stow has announced that the project is ready to proceed following a dispute over funding and where the site would be.

Building work is set to begin in August and construction is likely to take around nine months.

The site is set to contain 46 parking spaces.

Andrew Eastabrook, project architect said: “We recognise this highly complex process has taken longer than we would have hoped and has been a frustrating time for all those involved.

"However, extensive and diligent work has been ongoing for many months to get us to this point.

“We anticipate that construction work could begin as soon as August this year and we will be providing monthly updates to the local community, reporting back on the build as it progresses.”

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.

Staff have also been working behind the scenes to ensure that the site meets the requirements set out by the NHS for the construction of new GP premises.

Due to the lack of progress before last Thursday (June 15), John Nutbourne of JRN Properties Ltd, who previously submitted the Gypsy Field application, had recently submitted a new planning application for a surgery in Oddington Road.

Speaking about the 'Tall Trees' site, he said: "The site has received planning permission for a Primary Care Centre and as such is of sufficient size.

"However there is limited scope for future expansion and this is considered an essential component of any new surgery for Stow. The site may be sufficient to accommodate a surgery.

"However, at the current time it is not clear how any future expansion would be accommodated."