PLANS are in the pipeline to build a doctors surgery and 300- space car park on the field used for Stow Fair.

Stow Surgery has announced it is working with JRN properties Ltd on the proposed development on land between Oddington Road and Maugersbury Road.

Contracts have been exchanged for the purchase of the field, but the move is subject to gaining planning permission from Cotswold District Council (CDC).

If plans are approved, the development would also include a shuttle service to the centre of town and five detached houses.

The bi-annual Stow Fair, which has been held in the field in May and October since 1990, will go ahead next month as planned. Developer John Nutbourne said he hoped to submit a planning application in November.

“It’s early days and it’s very much subject to whether CDC will give us permission to do it.”

Doctors at the surgery were bitterly disappointed earlier this year when plans to develop part of the Ashton House site in Stow fell through.

Dr Tim Healy, senior partner at Stow surgery, said: “We are delighted to hear of the pending purchase, which will facilitate the development of a primary care service fit for purpose for the next generation and beyond.

“The surgery at Well Lane has provided a steadfast service over the years, but is too cramped and outdated to enable us to deliver the quality and quantity of care our patients need.”

Stow Mayor Alun White said: “We desperately need a new medical centre and this looks as if it might be a way to achieve it.”

Joseph P Jones, spokesman for the Gypsy Council, said he was confident the fair would continue.

“I think the important thing is to preserve the heritage and the history. That fair has been going for such a long time.

“Maybe it’s time for the location to change again. Surely there will be other farmers around the area who might want to collaborate and hold the fair in a different field.”