KNUTSFORD’S GPs say they desperately need new premises to deliver medical care to the people of the town.

The town’s three surgeries are working together to look at a solution, which could include a new health centre earmarked for the proposed Bluebell Village.

The health centre is included in Tatton Estate’s plans for up to 300 homes and a ‘local centre’ off Manchester Road in Knutsford.

Tatton Estate said there was a need for a new GP surgery in the area, and a number of doctors and health professionals had expressed an interest in the site of the planned Bluebell Village.

A spokesman for Knutsford’s GPs said: “The three GP surgeries in Knutsford are frustrated with the buildings we work in, which are approaching full capacity.

“With the ageing and increasing population of Knutsford we urgently need to increase the healthcare infrastructure to continue to support the population.

“We desperately need more fit-for-purpose premises to continue to deliver medical care to Knutsford.

“The surgeries are working as a team to find a solution, and are exploring several sites to support a combined health care strategy.

“We are grateful to be having discussions with TEM alongside other developers.”

The town’s surgeries are Annandale Medical Centre in Mobberley Road, Manchester Road Medical Centre and Toft Road Surgery.

A Tatton Estate spokesman said one of the opportunities being considered for the local centre as part of the Bluebell Village plans was a new health centre, which could be operated by one of the GPs in the area.

He said: “The land promoters, Tatton Estate, have already spoken to several doctors and health professionals in the area, with several expressing an interest in the site.

“We value our role in the community and want to take steps to show our commitment to remaining a good neighbour.

“We have included a local centre within our plans for Bluebell Village to ensure the development is considerate towards new and existing residents.

“There is a need for a new GP surgery in the local area, and we believe Bluebell Village would be an ideal location for delivering this service, reducing the need for residents to rely on cars to access these facilities.

“Furthermore, delivering new homes will help to address the shortage of housing of all kinds in Knutsford, helping to boost affordability and access for young people and those struggling to get onto the housing ladder.”

The spokesman said the planning application for Manchester Road was expected to be determined by Cheshire East Council before the end of the year.

For more on the scheme visit facebook.com/bluebellvillageknutsford