A DECISION to refuse plans for a new, larger doctor’s surgery in Stow on the site of the town’s twice-annual horse fair has been criticised as farcical – with claims patients are making do with care that is bordering on third world.

As the Journal reported, plans for the new surgery and pharmacy on land between Oddington Road and Maugersbury Road to replace the existing overcrowded Stow Surgery in Well Lane have been thrown out by Cotswold District Council’s planning committee.

Members voted to refuse the plans, which also included five new homes, despite planning officers recommending approval and 274 letters of support, with only 26 objecting.

Chairman of Stow Town Council Cllr Alun White said that although his colleagues were split on the plans, he was dismayed it had been refused.

“My personal view is that Stow very badly needs a new medical centre and it would be very unfortunate if the farcical proceedings at the planning committee meant that didn’t happen for years to come,” he said. “Without larger premises they have no long-term future which would be disastrous for the 5,000 patients on their books.”

The existing surgery has long been considered inadequate to deal with demand and in recent times it has been forced to deliver flu jabs in the car park of nearby Tesco supermarket, which Cllr White said was "bordering on third world".

Speaking at last week’s planning meeting Cllr Merryl Phillips, who has served as ward member for the town since 2003, said she was against development within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

But in a letter to the Journal, Archie Thomas of nearby Maugersbury said he was shocked by the comments made by Cllr Phillips – who was not eligible to vote for or against the plan due to her position as ward member for the town.

“Cllr Phillips purports to be in a better position to make this judgement than the local residents and more importantly than the doctors and staff of the current medical centre,” he said.

Mr Thomas added there was clear need for the larger premises.

“Cllr Phillips’ opposition and comments clearly indicate that she has no idea of what is going on in the area,” he said. “She hasn’t even taken the trouble to speak to local people or to staff at the current medical centre.

“Her opposition has contributed to the area facing more years without an adequate medical practice since NHS England’s funding is specifically related to this site and will now be withdrawn.”

Cllr Phillips is not standing for re-election next month and declined to comment to the Journal.