DOCTORS have called on residents to end an eight year long debate by supporting plans for a new medical centre.

GPs and commissioners say it is ‘vital’ for the proposed new medical centre in Sunningdale to be built and have now sent out a plea for Ascot residents to back the scheme.

However, the proposed construction of the new site, which would see Magnolia House and Kings Corner surgeries merge, has received differing opinions so far with many opposed to the scheme.

A spokesperson for NHS Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead CCG said: “A number of people are already in favour of the planning application to build the new centre on the BEN Lynwood Care Village site by early 2019.

“However, there is still time for others to pledge their support before the deadline on June 8.

“The new centre would enable doctors to provide a wider range of services in the community and, thereby, reduce the need for hospital visits.”

Eight years ago proposals for a community health centre to consolidate the ageing Magnolia House and King's Corner were first proposed.

However, the application was refused in July 2014 - primarily because it encroached on Green Belt land, and sat on the ringfenced gap between Sunninghill and Sunningdale.

A new application has now been submitted which moves the planned surgery further back on the site and increases parking facilities to accommodate the 22,703 patients predicted to use the services annually by 2024.

If the merger was completed, 20 doctors and 15 nurses would operate from 34 consulting rooms on the Rise Road site.

Despite the redrawing, opposition to the plans has been outspoken and strident.

In a letter sent on May 19, Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council wrote: "The Lynwood development has had a huge negative impact upon the openness of the green belt on the adjacent site, and represents a major intensification in the use of this part of the green belt.

"The gap is therefore the only scrap of green belt left and must be retained."

More than 140 people attended a public meeting to showcase the plans at Ben Lynwood Care Village on Thursday, May 25, with a second public meeting due to be held this month.

The plans are due to go before committee at the end of June.