A new GP service in Poringland has been given the go-ahead by NHS England.

The Old Mill and Millgates Medical Practice has been operating on the Stoke Road site for over 30 years, with the current building built in 1987.

In 2006 a temporary building was added to the surgery, which provides services to over 7,000 patients in Poringland and from a branch in Hempnall, to add more space.

The surgery, which was originally a telephone exchange, has been constrained by its premises so it is hoped that the new facility will increase its range of services.

There are also hopes to expand the training of new doctors in partnership with the Norwich Medical School at UEA to grow services in ante-natal and maternity care, physiotherapy, chronic disease management and mental health services.

John Ellis, chairman of Poringland Parish Council said: 'It is nice to see that the community in and around Poringland will have enhanced facilities to give health services.

'Bearing in mind the increased number of villages around, it is good to see that we will have a strong health set-up in the area.'

Dr Clive Waterhouse, of Old Mill Surgery, said: 'In the long term this building will allow for expansion of the services available to South Norfolk residents.'

The new building will be located on the opposite side of Stoke Road.

It will provide six GP consulting rooms, two nurse consulting rooms, two treatment rooms, multi-purpose rooms, a dispensary and waiting area as well as administration areas and staff accommodation.

Parking and access will also be improved at the site, which has been designed by local architect Chaplin Farrant, to include five disabled spaces and facilities for cycles.

Dr Jon Bryson, chairman of South Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said: 'South Norfolk CCG is delighted to hear about the new build and congratulates all involved for their hard work.

'The new premises will contribute to the delivery of high quality provision to patients in the community.'

Mary Parker, practice manager of Old Mill Surgery, said 'This is a fantastic opportunity for the practice to be able to offer additional services to the expanding local population.'

The centre is intended to cope with the future expansion of Poringland, with 2,800 new homes planned in the area and neighbouring villages.

Building work will commence in spring 2014 with the new surgery expected to open in early 2015.