A GP practice has agreed to improve safety for its patients in a bid to get the go-ahead to build a surgery.

Weston Mercury: An updated artist's impression of the surgery. Picture: Mendip Vale Medical PracticeAn updated artist's impression of the surgery. Picture: Mendip Vale Medical Practice (Image: Archant)

Mendip Vale Medical Practice’s bid to get planning permission for a new health centre in place of its Congresbury and Yatton surgeries has hit a snag amid concerns from North Somerset councillors.

Major fears about public safety were raised with Yatton patients potentially having to cross Smallway to reach the building.

But the Times can reveal the practice has accepted the concerns, with its manager David Clark saying it will pay for a controlled pedestrian crossing in an effort to resolve the planning dispute.

Mendip Vale says it cannot continue with its two small surgeries in the villages as they cannot be extended and so a new facility is necessary.

North Somerset councillors, sitting on its planning committee, rejected Mendip Vale’s planning application on the grounds of public safety and because it sits within the green open space strategic gap between the two villages – an area which is meant to be free of development so they can maintain their individuality.

There have been concerns about the future of bus services connecting Congresbury and Yatton, which would play a vital role for patients should the surgery be built.

First Bus is due to review services in the new year, sparking fears the villages could lose out.

Wendy Griggs, who is a member of Yatton PACT and Yatton Parish Council, told the former’s meeting it is vital a public transport link remains.

She said: “The X7 must keep running.

“Even if First says it isn’t economical now, then it must stay as it will be.”

However, First Bus told the Times this week it has no plans at this time to change the route.

Its spokesman said: “We do not have any plans to change the X7 service at this time.

“In April 2019, we will undertake a comprehensive review of customer demand in this area and our services will be planned accordingly.”

The future of the new surgery will be up for discussion again at North Somerset Council’s planning meeting in December.