PLANS have been submitted to build a doctors' surgery in a north Durham village.

Dr Jon Levick wants to create the facility on land between Dene Court and the Danes Engineering Factory in Hamsterley Colliery, near Consett.

If it is approved, he hopes the existing Oakfield Surgery, at nearby Low Westwood, will be converted into a residential home and sold.

He has applied to Derwentside District Council for planning permission.

The scheme has the support of planning committee chairman Councillor Eric Turner, who was asked to help in finding some suitable land for a new surgery.

But he said he will abstain if it goes to a members' vote at the planning committee.

Coun Turner said: "I am quite sure this is the way forward for health care in this area.

"For too long, we have not had a suitable surgery. There is no privacy because the waiting room is too small.

"Everyone can hear what you are saying to staff and it is not appropriate in a doctor's surgery.

"This has been taken on board for the new plans and it will be more discreet for people.

"It will also be accessible for disabled people, and there will be a ramp for wheelchairs as well as steps to the surgery."

At present, two GPs cover 2,165 patients at Oakfield Surgery.

The proposed premises will accommodate an extra doctor, which will allow more patients to register.

Extra services earmarked for the new practice include physiotherapy, podiatry and special nurse-led clinics.

Brenda Peppin, director of primary care and modernisation for Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "We are fully committed to support Dr Levick in his plans to develop new, bigger premises in this area.

"Originally, the scheme was to be taken forward by Dr Terence Drought, but after his retirement, Dr Levick reviewed the plans and, with the support of the PCT, developed a new design on a new site.

"We are confident this will be a big improvement on current facilities."

If the plan is approved, building is expected to start in autumn.