The new estate to the east of Melksham could include a new pub and six shops, but looks unlikely to have a doctors’ surgery.

Developers Pegasus have submitted plans for the land off Cranesbill Road which include a Morrison’s convenience store and a Marston’s pub.

The East Melksham Local Centre site includes land reserved by Wiltshire Council for a new surgery, but no plans have been submitted for one.

Pegasus director Glenn Godwin said the council had indicated that a surgery could be put there, but added: “They don’t have control of that land. The legal agreement requires the doctors’ surgery to be marked there, but there are currently no plans for a surgery.”

Richard Wiltshire, chairman of the Melksham health working group said: “The new campus has a potential site for the St Damian’s Surgery, and I understand that the Spa Road Surgery could expand if necessary.

“My view is a new surgery wouldn’t be necessary as the others expand.”

The Cranesbill Road plans will need formal approval by Wiltshire Council before construction work begins but, if accepted, building would start within months.

Mr Godwin said building could get under way in the summer with the shops opening next year.

Melksham Without councillor Terry Chivers, who represents the estate, said that although a surgery was needed, he had spoken to one existing surgery and it was “very unlikely there will be any takers for that”.

He added that the facilities were needed and Morrison’s “will be a good addition”.

The complex will serve the growing population east of the town. The new Forest and Sandridge Primary School, to be completed in Snarlton Lane in 2015, will also include sports and leisure facilities for the use of the community.