A dental surgery’s plans for expansion that had been recommended for refusal by the county council highways authority were approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council planning committee this evening.
The proposal is for Hilton Dental Surgery at 1 Hilton Crescent in Gamston, a single-storey building on the corner of Valley Road and Hilton Crescent which currently contains three surgery rooms. The applicant wants to expand with internal alterations and a first-floor extension to create three additional surgeries and expand services for both local residents and referrals from across Nottinghamshire.
The extension would raise the building height from about 3.4 metres to roughly 6–6.3 metres.
Plans state that the principle of expanding a healthcare facility is supported by both local and national policy because it would increase access to NHS dental care. The practice provides NHS treatment to adults and children and also offers specialist NHS services receiving referrals from the wider Nottinghamshire and Newark area.
The report has significant public backing. Thirty-two written representations were received, with 31 in support and one objection.
At the planning committee meeting this evening Thursday 12 February, councillors discussed the recommended refusal from Nottinghamshire County Council Highways Authority based on ‘the expansion would significantly increase on-street parking, potentially blocking access, restricting visibility at junctions, obstructing footways and creating hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. They said nearby public car parks could not be relied upon and that staff parking offered at the neighbouring care home could not be guaranteed in the long term.’
Cllr Hetvi Parekh ( Conservative – Edwalton ward ) proposed the following motion for approval of the expansion plans:
The motion reads:
‘35% of children in Nottinghamshire had not seen NHS dentist in the last 2 years. There are only 50 dentists per 100,000 people in Nottinghamshire – however majority of them are working with their existing patients or private patients and are not taking any new NHS patients.
‘I propose approval of this application. This extension would add three surgeries, doubling NHS patient capacity and providing care to over 1,000 local residents, directly addressing a clear unmet healthcare need from recent and proposed housing growth.
‘The proposal is fully consistent with national planning policy, which supports healthy communities and provision of local facilities, and with Rushcliffe Local Plan Policies 10, 37, 39, and 41, which encourage development that meets local needs, is sustainable, and expands healthcare services.
‘Parking and highways have been carefully considered. The practice benefits from nearby off-street parking, a written agreement with Leawood Manor Care Home for six spaces, and sustainable travel options. Not all patients will arrive by car, and the changing workforce reduces staff parking demand. While Highways have advised against the application, their comments are advisory; there is no evidence of severe harm. The responsibility for weighing the planning balance rests with this committee.
‘On this basis, the clear public benefit and compliance with planning policy justify approval.”
Councillors suggested further conditions would need to be met such as a legal agreement to secure a further six parking spaces at a neighbouring care home within an agreed time limit.
At the planning meeting other potential conditions were discussed, like opening hours and the surgery giving patients advance advice on travelling to the site and where to park with consideration.
Votes for: 7
Votes against 2
After the meeting Cllr Parekh told The Wire:
‘I am delighted that the planning committee has voted with a majority of 7 in favour of approving this dental practice.
‘Our residents need vital services and this approval means residents of Edwalton, Gamston, West Bridgford can access this locally and sustainably.’