A PLANNING application has been submitted that will see a GP surgery turned into a residential dwelling.

The former Riversdale Surgery on Woodcroft Road in Wylam, which closed earlier this year following the retirement of Dr John Knapton after 35 years of service.

The proposals, submitted by Wylam resident Liam O'Brien would see the building turned into a four-bedroom house.

Wylam Parish Council have raised no objections to the plan, but supported the comment of the public rights of way officer that a public footpath that goes through the site is preserved.

In a statement in support of his application, Mr O'Brien wrote: "I have no intention of seeking to permanently close or divert the public footpath and I have no plans to carry out any form of boundary work which would necessitate a temporary closure either."

The closure of the GP surgery caused considerable debate in the village, as there were fears elderly residents would be unable to access the new site in Prudhoe due to poor public transport links.

It was also delayed twice earlier this year - first for Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group to consult with residents, and then due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It finally closed in August, and the building is currently under offer, with the listing requesting offers of more than £475,000.