A healthcare centre with GPs, dentists, physiotherapists and osteopaths could be built in a new development proposed for North Somerset.

Taylor Wimpey wants to build three villages with schools, a college and health and sports facilities at the Vale, between Long Ashton and Barrow Gurney.

The development would provide 4,500 new homes for the area including 1,800 affordable homes.

Taylor Wimpey has also proposed a new a healthcare hub for the centre of the development which could see complementary therapists like chiropractors, osteopaths and counsellors practising alongside GPs, dentists and physiotherapists.

The facilities could be built next to retirement homes to provide easier access to healthcare for older residents.

Project director Gareth Hawke said: “The Vale is the most sustainable place to build a new community. It is so close to Bristol, that — with some additional new cycle routes and footpaths — residents will be able to get to work and key services without ever stepping into a car. Metrobus will take just 12 minutes to get to Temple Meads.

“More than half the land will be left as open space with sports facilities and parkland, creating a clean environment which is good for both the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“One of the great advantages of starting from scratch — with new villages — is we can plan a community that works in all ways and building the healthcare hub in the centre of the development puts health at the heart of our proposals.”

The development has not been included in the draft Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) which is being drawn up by North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset councils and sets out development in the area until 2036.

The proposal has been excluded as the site is on greenbelt land, but a number of councillors are pushing for a greenbelt review which could pave the way for the Vale.

Taylor Wimpey has added the health centre to its plans to comply with NHS England’s Healthy New Towns initiative, which aims to bring health and care services into single, integrated centres.

Mr Hawke added: “The Vale offers a chance to create a healthy place for the people of North Somerset and Bristol to live.”