FURIOUS allotment holders are up in arms at plans to build a doctor's surgery on their vegetable patches.

Users of Camden Allotments in Forton Road, Gosport, say their plots are being unfairly targeted for a new surgery.

Dr Knapman and Partners argue their current Forton Road premises are too small to cope with the rising demand in medical provision in the area.

But Gosport Allotment Holders and Garden Association chairman David Gattrell said: "We are opposed to the plan. They just looked across the road and said there's some land right across the street.

"If anybody wants to build in Gosport they think 'Ah, we'll build on the allotment sites'."

The closure of Privett Road surgery earlier this month and an influx of new residents into Gosport mean local GPs are under increasing pressure.

Some new residents have complained that they cannot find a GP within three or four miles of their homes.

Gosport council's director of development and environment Ian Lycett said: "People are absolutely crying out for health facilities in the area."

He said the new surgery plan was at a very early stage.

He said: "It is a wonderful facility, with eight consulting rooms, space for nurses and minor operations and a car park. Although many of the Camden allotments are not used, the council would reinvest some money from the development into improving the remaining allotments.

Mr Gattrell said: "The plan has earmarked about 25 plots, that's 20 to 25 per cent of the allotment land. Allotments are a renewable resource that need to be sustained for future generations.

"Although some allotments aren't used they are not derelict, because a vacant plot becomes a habitat for wildlife and becomes the lungs for the area."