EVESHAM'S new state of the art health centre could be permanently sited on Abbey Road despite doctors' refusal to back the plans.

Wychavon District Council is spending £50,000 on surveys and technical investigations. The studies, due to be completed next month, come weeks after planning permission was granted for the development's original Merstow Green site.

The initial proposal included the temporary relocation to Abbey Road of Merstow Green's two existing medical practices. The new multi-million pound development plans to combine both surgeries in the new building, but some councillors claim it would be more practicable and economical for the new health centre to remain on Abbey Road.

Richard Allen, practice manager at Abbey Medical Practice, said: "The Abbey Road option was looked at as a possible alternative when we weren't certain we would get planning permission for Merstow Green.

"We don't want to stay on the Abbey Road site permanently if possible. Anything can be overcome, but certainly the views of both practices are still those expressed at the planning meeting in December."

Wychavon managing director Jack Hegarty said: "We are discussing the possibility of Abbey Road being used as a permanent site, but we are nowhere near a planning application stage."