South Norfolk Council wants to build a new GP surgery in Coachmaker Way in Hethersett and has already set aside £6.3million for the scheme.

But the authority is still awaiting the final sign-off from the Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) – responsible for planning and funding healthcare services – which is assessing whether the project is affordable and value for money.

The delay has caused frustration among leaders at the council, who are calling for healthcare officials to sign off the scheme.

Daniel Elmer, Conservative leader of South Norfolk Council (Image: SNC)

Daniel Elmer, Conservative leader of the council, believes approval for the project is now “urgently needed”.

“South Norfolk Council has committed to build the surgery, has engaged a development partner and stands ready to progress at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

The village sign in Hethersett (Image: Newsquest)

“Every day the decision is delayed means this growing community is condemned to rely on a healthcare provision already under serious pressure.

“We have an opportunity to deliver a practical solution to improve access to primary care and we should seize it now.

“It’s time to stop the delays and start delivering. It’s time to build this surgery.”

The push for a new GP surgery for the village stretches back to 2021, while the Coachmaker Way site was identified as a location for the practice in 2024.

The site proposed for the GP surgery in Coachmaker Way (Image: Google Maps)

Phil Hardy, a former district councillor for Hethersett, previously said the existing Humbleyard Practice is “buckling under pressure”, with thousands of new homes being built in the area.

The practice, which has sites in Cringleford, Mulbarton and Hethersett, now has more than 22,500 patients on its register.

Hethersett alone has 9,072 patients, meaning people are now travelling to the other surgeries or even A&E due to the lack of capacity.

Mr Elmer added: “I therefore urge the ICB to recognise the pressing need for additional capacity and the considerable work already undertaken by South Norfolk Council and its partners.”

A spokeswoman for the ICB said: “This work is actively progressing and includes independent assessment by the district valuer service.

“Once that work has been completed, the ICB will consider the findings and determine the appropriate next steps. We will continue to engage with partners as the process progresses.”