Working closely with Bath and North East Somerset PCT, the practice will be relocating to the Radford Rails sitein Chew Lane, where it has purchased land from Charles Church Developments. Construction work on the new surgery is due to start on site at the end of April.

Tim Sephton, lead GP for the practice says, "We are delighted that our ambitions to move to larger, more modern facilities are finally coming to fruition. Our existing premises in Chew Magna have served us well, but the building is too small, parking is difficult, and it has become increasingly clear that to continue offering our patients all the services that are essential to 21st century healthcare, then relocation is essential.

"Our new position between Chew Magna and Chew Stoke means that residents of both villages will have the opportunity to benefit from our facilities."

GPs have been keeping patients informed through a series of patient consultation groups.

Specialists in primary care at property consultants GVA have been working closely with the Chew Medical Practice to facilitate the move and construction. Providing project management and property services, the company has also undertaken lease negotiations and obtained revised planning consents.

Tim Scruton, director at GVA says, "With the primary healthcare changing rapidly, and the trend towards the transfer of medical services from hospitals to local delivery, there's a growing demand for modern, high quality and flexible, purpose-built care centres. The Chew Medical Practice's new facilities will enable them to offer the services needed for this delivery."

The £3million development is being built by Vinci Construction. Starting in April, work is expected to last 44 weeks.

The Magna Minors nursery will also be taking space in the building.

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