31 July 2012 Last updated at 16:46 ET

Torpoint health centre approved by primary care trust

The plans for the new centre include community services and a pharmacy

A primary care trust (PCT) has approved plans for all health services in a Cornish town to be relocated to a new centre.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT gave the green light to the proposals, but they still need to be endorsed by the Strategic Health Authority.

A planning application for the health centre at Trevol Business Park in Torpoint has been submitted.

The PCT said it brought Torpoint a step closer to modern healthcare facilities.

Town centre alternative

Before the decision was announced, members of the PCT board listened to concerns from local residents about the out-of-town location.

John Bentick, who lives in Torpoint, said it was "a bit out of the way" and a more central location could have been chosen.

"If you get out there and you find your appointment has been cancelled, you've had a trip out there for nothing," he said.

"They could have converted the old school in the town centre instead."

The PCT said it had also considered all of the feedback received during the engagement process before coming to the decision to press ahead with the plans.

Spokeswoman Amanda Fisk said the "landmark development" would hopefully open to patients from early 2014.

"It will bring the area up-to-date with modern healthcare facilities and I feel very proud to have been able to work with so many enthusiastic people locally to move this project close to reality," she said.

Dr Lawrence Barnes, who has been involved with the scheme on behalf of Torpoint GPs, said the new facility would serve the town's healthcare needs for "decades to come".

"Our present facilities are outdated and inadequate for a growing community and we are confident that over time we will be able to overcome some of the concerns that have been expressed about the new location," he said.

Under the proposals, the existing Rame Group Practice surgeries and the Peninsula Community Health Community Clinic will be housed in the new centre.

There will also be primary and community healthcare services, ambulance services and a pharmacy.