We write in response to Peter Arnott-Job (Letters, April 24) about the proposal for a new GP surgery at Carden Hill, Brighton.

Due to the need to stay within the catchment area for current patients, our area of search for a suitable site was automatically restricted.

Consideration also needed to be given to the doctors' desire to rationalise their operation, in accordance with the latest NHS guidelines, by closing their Coldean branch surgery and the effect this would have on the ability of those patients to travel to the new surgery.

An exhaustive search was carried out during the past 18 months and, in addition to the community centre site, many alternatives were considered and rejected prior to the submission of the planning application.

On the question of consultation, the use of the Old Boat Community Centre site was first suggested at a meeting in February last year, attended by councillors who agreed it represented "the best possibility".

Following further months of searching and negotiation, we visited the site and approached a member of the community association in order to obtain an opinion.

The response was that it would be looked upon favourably, as funds could be generated to redevelop the play areas and build a skate board park, while the doctors would be able to work closely with the community association on joint initiatives to improve health services for the community.

Formal approaches were then made to both the planning and estates departments of the council so that proper discussion and negotiations could take place prior to the submission of our application.

Accordingly, we feel somewhat aggrieved at the accusation that we have failed to consult properly.

We are extremely sorry that the Old Boat Community Association feel aggrieved, as it is never our intention to knowingly go against the reasonable wishes of the majority of the local community. We hope this letter goes some way to demonstrate our willingness to consult and negotiate.

We believe this is an exciting opportunity to compliment the existing range of facilities already located on the site and makes good use of public land to the benefit of the whole community.

Additionally, significant funds will be generated from the sale of a long leasehold interest in the site and these will no doubt prove a welcome addition to the council's finances, enabling the development and refurbishment of other facilities which may otherwise have been unaffordable.

Finally, we would remind all concerned of the very urgent and desperate need for doctors who continue to serve the community to the best of their ability under impossible working conditions and trust that this golden opportunity to provide the very best of local health care will not be lost.

-Ieuan Jones, Ashley House Plc (Supporting Primary Care), Chalfont St Peter, Bucks.