PLANS to move a GP practice into a new home so it can expand services and take on more patients have taken another step forward.

Members of Brighton and Hove City Council’s policy, resources and growth committee approved funding towards the cost of the scheme this week.

The change for Ardingly Court Surgery in Brighton will increase its patient list from 8,500 to 12,000.

The proposal is for the practice to lease a revamped site in Old Steine and Pavilion Place owned by the city council.

The council intends to borrow £850,000 towards the cost of the revamp and refit.

The NHS will pay a further £813,000 for the work.

The site is about 7,000 square feet, which is nearly 4,500 square feet larger than the current surgery at Ardingly Court.

Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group will pay back the cost of the council’s loan during the 20 year lease for the site.

The move could lead to the practice getting more consulting and treatment rooms to allow it to recruit GPs and other staff to provide extra services.

The move is expected to help ease growing pressures on GP services across Brighton and Hove.