IT HAS been a temporary surgery that has lasted seven years.

But now patients in Whiteley can look forward to seeing their doctors in a permanent purpose-built facility after the green light was given to the plans.

For years patients have had to walk along a raised gangplank just to get to their appointments and endure stifling heat in the summer at the temporary surgery on Yew Tree Drive.

Now civic chiefs have agreed to sell the site which houses the temporary surgery so work can begin on a more permanent base there for doctors and nearly 5,000 patients.

Construction of a new two-storey building, which could double patient numbers, is due to begin in September subject to approval being granted by planners.

The move has been a long time coming as doctors have made eight attempts to move from their temporary home for the past seven years.

But time delays, financial limits and ground conditions have scuppered previous efforts.

Lead GP for Whiteley Dr Richard Roope said: "This is the furthest we've been and it looks by far the best opportunity but we're still cautious as we know that until you put pen to paper nothing happens.

"The plot of land is the right size and in the right place so we won't have to relocate."

The building will cost in excess of £1 million and include a dentist surgery and a pharmacy.

There are currently 4,800 patients on its books, but this will jump to 9,000 once the building is completed.

Dr Roope added: "With extensive development of the cabins we've still been able to offer a full service to our patients."

Fareham's civic chief and Whiteley resident Sean Woodward added: "We're very pleased the doctors can stay in Whiteley. They've existed in cabins for too long now."

Spar is taking over a cabin next door which houses the post office, chemist and One Stop store.