Ten letters out of 29 sent, urging planners to approve proposals for the hospital at Tournament Fields, are from clinicians - among them several working at Warwick Hospital.

They are at odds with concerns voiced by Warwick Hospital chief executive Glen Burley, who wrote with his fears that the hospital - which intends to bid for NHS work - would draw operations and funding away from the Lakin Road site.

The doctors who have written to Warwick District Council feel reduced waiting and treatment times, the capacity to cater for a growing and ageing population and the need for competition are among the reasons a new private hospital should be built. There are no letters from medical staff opposing Circle's plans.

Independent gastroenterologist, Jeremy Shearman, said the growing number of professionals in the area meant there was a demand for more choice.

He added the site would complement existing services in south Warwickshire and called the hospital "probably the most significant healthcare development in the area for a decade".

Warwick Hospital consultant anaesthetist, Dr Emert White, predicted it would reduce the time for patients to be seen by specialists, the time for investigations and the time taken to complete treatment.

Dr James Antrobus, of Beech Cliff, called for an end to the "monopoly" enjoyed by the Warwickshire Nuffield Hospital in Old Milverton.

He said: "This situation does not serve patients or doctors well.

"The entry of a new independent sector healthcare provider would create competition and is likely to raise standards in the provision of hospital facilities. We would all gain from having two high quality facilities in this area."

Members of the public also wrote in with similar views. Peter Pires, of Priors Hardwick, praised the plans for parking and accessibility and believes the hospital will relieve pressure created by Warwickshire's increasing - and ageing - population.

He said: "Quality health services, with increased productivity and efficiency, should surely reap rewards for the whole of the county health service, and in turn for the population of Warwickshire."

And Ufton resident, John Strachan, predicted more competition would improve standards of care in the area, and that South Warwickshire General Hospitals Trust could even benefit financially if the new hospital bought in some of its services.