PLANS to build a single-storey extension on a Bromsgrove dental surgery have been thrown out by the district council’s planning committee.
The ten members voted unanimously to refuse the plans which included a single-storey increase on New Road Dental Surgery for a separate data storage and privacy room.
A total of 24 letters of objection had been submitted by residents who claimed it was inappropriate development for the area as the surgery started in a bungalow with two treatment rooms and had already increased to five and was now on two floors.
They also said the proposal was similar to another application which was previously turned down by council planners and raised additional concerns relating to increased noise and traffic.
As part of the application, put in by Dr R Solanki, it was mooted that one of the parking spaces which would have been lost to the development would have been re-sited.
But members, who had visited the site earlier that day, expressed concerns that the area where the space was being moved to was insufficient for a ‘whole car parking space’.
Campaigner Richard Hood spoke at the meeting on behalf of Richard Mainwaring, who was unable to make the meeting, and other residents.
After the result he said: “It represented a good day for local democracy.
“I was baffled by the planning officer’s recommendation for approval of a very similar application to the refused previously and an appeal dismissed by the planning inspectorate.
“However, the planning committee was more sensible and in tune with residents who have been suffering because of uncontrolled expansion of this dental practice.”
Dr Solanki said: “We worked with the planning officers to address any concerns or issues and were surprised with the refusal because the design of the extension would have fitted in well.
“We wanted to create an area where we could talk to patients privately.
“We have some patients who are very nervous and this would have helped them.
“It would not have led to more patient treatments and so would not have impacted on traffic or parking.
“We are now going to look at other solutions, such as longer opening hours so we can build on the quality service we offer.”
He added the addition of the private room was in response to feedback from patients.
