PLANS to build a new £430 million hospital at Southmead have taken a step closer.

North Bristol NHS Trust, who are leading the project, recently handed in a detailed planning application for the new state-of-the-art hospital to Bristol City Council.

Initial planning permission for the new build was given to the health authority in 2007 but now councillors in the city will have to consider more detailed plans.

Tricia Down, deputy director of projects, said: "The planning application that has been submitted to Bristol City Council represents a very significant milestone towards getting our new hospital.

"Once planning approval has been gained we can sign the contract with Carillion and building will start.

"The new hospital has been long awaited and will make a huge difference to patients, staff and visitors, services will be much closer together which means faster treatment and a better patient journey.

"Patients, visitors and staff will be able to find their way around very easily and patients will benefit from the latest high tech services and leading healthcare."

North Bristol NHS Trust revealed designs for the new Southmead in March.

The 800-bed hospital, due to open in 2013, will have room for 20 percent more intensive care patients, 75 percent of beds will be in single occupancy rooms with their own bathroom, and there will be better layout of departments with radiology next to Accident and Emergency.

The 27-hectare site will also boast 2,700 parking spaces and a helipad. Because of the size of the site there will also be room for expansion in the future if necessary.

The creation of a super-hospital at Southmead will mean the downgrade of the Frenchay site with several services being moved.

It is hoped the hospital will be paid for through a Private Finance Initiative, which means it will be funded through the private sector. The European Investment Bank has already pledged half the money for the hospital and the rest of the money is due to be finalised later in the year.