NHS Kingston and Malling Health's opening of the Gosbury Hill Clinic will be investigated by Kingston Council's scrutiny board.

The GP-led health centre opened at the end of August, but there was unhappiness among councillors and residents who said NHS Kingston had carried out a "sham" consultation to justify its decision to put the centre there and under Malling Health's control.

Patients of a neighbouring GP surgery with 11,000 patients, who thought they would be able to expand into the clinic as part of the deal, have also opposed the scheme after discovering the expansion would not happen.

Chessington south councillor Shiraz Mirza, chairman of the health overview and scrutiny committee, said: "There is an overwhelming interest in this.

"I think it is in the public interest to have this debate openly and be clear what people are thinking."

The committee has the power to call witnesses and make referrals to the Secretary of State for Health if it has concerns about insufficient consultation or strong opposition on major changes.

NHS Kingston declined to fully publish the consultation comments and answers to questions from 155 residents, preferring to write to each individually.

It said residents had not given permission for their comments to be published. However, it revealed the site's sale to Dr John Gray was still not complete 10 months after it was agreed.

Confusion also surrounds whether NHS Kingston is looking at moving the clinic to Moor Lane or St Mary's Church Hall.

Health visitors, baby clinics, podiatry and dental services, which were moved from the clinic, are planned to return in future, although it may take 18 to 24 months, NHS Kingston has said.