A proposal to expand a dental practice in Smethwick has faced rejection from Sandwell Council, despite claims of significant patient demand. Complete Dental, located on Bearwood Road, sought to build a three-storey rear extension and loft conversion to accommodate four additional surgery rooms. The practice cited “very high levels” of demand and ongoing long waiting lists as reasons for the expansion.
The council’s planning department deemed the proposed extension “obtrusive, overly dominant, and disproportionate.” According to the council’s report, the extension would disrupt the visual amenity of the area and block the views of neighboring properties. It highlighted concerns about the scale and design of the proposed building, stating that its characteristics did not correspond with the existing structures in the vicinity.
Complete Dental’s application, submitted by Dr. Nikesh Farmah, aimed to increase the clinic’s operational capacity by adding more clinical space and modern facilities. The practice emphasized the pressing need for more NHS dental appointments in Sandwell, where there is a noted shortage.
According to the application, “Local demand for NHS dental services continues to grow,” and the current layout of the premises limits the practice’s ability to effectively meet that need. The statement also pointed out that the expansion would help alleviate long waiting times and improve patient access to dental services.
Despite these arguments, the council maintained that the proposed development would negatively affect the surrounding neighborhood. The report explained that the design would create an “unsympathetic and non-subservient” addition to the property, which is characterized by its original terrace style.
Concerns about privacy were also raised, specifically regarding the orientation of proposed windows in the new extension. The council noted that these windows would overlook habitable spaces in adjacent flats at Anderson Court, leading to intrusive overlooking and a loss of privacy for neighboring residents.
The planning committee’s decision highlighted the potential for the expansion to set a precedent for similar applications in the area, which could further detract from the local character. It also raised issues related to traffic safety, given the absence of off-street parking provisions in the proposed plans.
The rejection has left Complete Dental at a crossroads, as the practice continues to grapple with high patient demand and limited appointment availability. The council’s decision underscores the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare providers in balancing service expansion with community impact considerations.
As the situation develops, the practice will need to reassess its options in addressing the increasing demand for dental services in the region while conforming to local planning regulations.
