Stroud District Council has approved proposals to build a new combined GP and dental surgery on a greenfield site in Minchinhampton, despite objections.

Designed to cater for more than 8,000 patients, the 10,623 square foot facility will be built on land north of Cirencester Road and replace the existing surgery in the centre of the town.

Plans for the ground floor include 18 consulting/treatment rooms as well as a reception/waiting area, administrative accommodation and storerooms as well as dentist accommodation.

Green ward councillor Chloe Turner told the BBC she did not dispute the need for a new surgery, but said the proposed location was highly sensitive and it was a difficult application to consider.

She said: "I would have objected to it myself were it not for the efforts made towards sustainability."

A local resident added: "If development beyond the settlement boundary is allowed a precedent would be set enabling further development of the adjacent fields.

"Rather than destroy a greenfield site, surely it makes more sense to redevelop and retain the surgery in the town centre where it is equally accessible for all residents?"

In support of the plans, Dr Susie Weir said: "We are bursting at the seams, these rooms are small and not fit for purpose. We want to provide a better environment for our patients."

Dr Tristan Cooper added: "In short, the new surgery will offer state-of-the-art facilities for patients and staff alike."

The planning committee voted to approve the application on March 29, by six votes to one.