A six-storey office block could be converted into a medical centre for three GP practices.

Staff at the Brighton-based surgeries say the move will give them room to expand and provide more services for patients.

The building is on the A23 Preston Road into Brighton and within a mile of the buildings used by the practices at the moment.

The surgeries involved are Elizabeth Eadie and partners in Stanford Avenue, David Harper and partners in Beaconsfield Villas and David Earl in Highcroft Villas.

The Islingword Road and Cockcroft building branch surgeries run by Dr Eadie and partners are not affected by the proposals.

Brighton and Hove City Primary Care Trust (PCT) supports the idea but will not make a final decision until it sees the results of a study into the plans.

Primary care services development company Prime has drawn up a proposal which includes buying the site at 175 Preston Road and leasing the space back to the GPs.

It will have to get planning permission for a change of use of the building from Brighton and Hove City Council.

PCT head of primary care Terry Baker said: "There needs to be a lot of discussion with GPs, local pharmacists and patients about the proposals."

Prime is planning a series of public meetings.

Concerns raised are likely to include access-ibility to the new building and car parking.

New services could include a diabetic clinic, joint midwifery/health visitor post-natal clinics and a minor surgery unit.

A full business case on the proposals is expected to be discussed by the PCT in the autumn.