PLANS for a new doctors' surgery in Stow-on-the-Wold have been refused, despite claims that the current surgery is so overcrowded flu shots are given in a Tesco car park.

The application for the Stow gypsy fair field just off Oddington Road in Maugersbury had received backing by parish and town councils but was narrowly voted against by members of Cotswold District Council's (CDC) planning committee on April 8.

The plans were for a new, modern medical facility with parking for 30 cars, plus an overflow car park, and room for 14 staff vehicles and had been recommended for approval by officers. A development of five houses was also proposed.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr Tim Healey said the current surgery in Wells Road was overcrowded and not fit for purpose.

"It has no space to carry out many operations. Even flu vaccinations have to be given in Tesco car park," he said.

"The Care Quality Commission has lambasted our facilities. We have the funding from the NHS and we now have land. Permission is the final piece in the jigsaw."

Cllr Joe Harris said the current situation with the present surgery was "at crisis".

"There has been 250 letters of support from the community saying they need this facility. We need services and we need infrastructure," he said.

He was backed by Cllr Margaret Rickman who said: "I am appalled that people are having to have flu jabs in Tesco car park." She added that the arguments the area was in an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) did not outweigh the benefits of a new surgery.

Opposing the application on behalf of objectors, Stow resident and former town councillor Chris Turner said the development "would do substantial and permanent harm to the landscape of the AONB and the particular setting of Stow".

Cllr Merryl Phillips was also opposed to the plans stating there was no need for a larger surgery and said Moreton, for instance, had many more parishioners and managed with their surgery.

Several people also queried where the current twice-yearly gypsy fair would have to move to should the field be given planning permission.

Cllr Rod Hooper said he was against building on an AONB while Cllr David Broad said the idea was "completely unacceptable".

The voting was eight against the plans and six for with one abstention.

"If it was just the surgery and not the additional houses I may be able to go along with it, but as it stands I am not in favour," he said.

Speaking after the meeting, Sophie Williams, practice manager at the surgery said.

"We are all very disappointed by the decision. We have been looking for a new site for the past 14 years and have looked at 19 different places.

"None of them were suitable except this one. We have no idea at the moment what we will do now."