THE GP surgery in Cartmel village plans to expand to cope with ever-increasing patient numbers.

Dr Julie Colclough is seeking planning permission to replace a double garage at the Haggs Lane site with a new, timber-built office.

The practice had 1,400 patients when it opened, and that figure had risen to 2,600 by October 2018, state planning documents.

With an average of three new patients a week being registered, the surgery is "struggling" to keep up with demand and wants to provide its patients with "outstanding care".

To achieve this, admin staff would be relocated to the new office, freeing up more space for seeing patients inside the surgery.

The timber building would have solar panels and be fully insulated. The surgery has 12 part-time staff.

Plans have been submitted to South Lakeland District Council. A neighbour has written to planners raising concerns about the number of cars parked opposite driveways at nearby Town End Meadow, described as a narrow cul-de-sac. They have also requested the weeping willow and yew trees at the site be kept.