PLANNING permission for a new dental practice in Ellesmere has now been granted.

The conversion of a semi-detached residential property in Willow Street to a dental practice – which will initially operate two days a week, extending to five days – will go ahead after the first application made by the Amalgam Removal Centre (ARC) LTD for a dental surgery in the Ellesmere Business Park was rejected earlier this year.

As reported previously, the second application from the ARC was met with opposition from residents of nearby Willow Crescent, after fears that the absence of parking facilities at the site would mean dental patients would park in their cul-de-sac.

Ellesmere Town Council echoed the concerns of Willow Crescent residents, and suggested that maybe the building should remain as a residential property due to the number of empty commercial properties that are already in the town.

However, councillors were in agreement that there was a definite need and demand for a dental surgery in Ellesmere.

Shropshire Council planning officer Mark Perry, stated that although the application does not include off-road parking provisions, patients could utilise nearby town centre car parks instead.

“The application site does not include any off-street parking, however as the site sits immediately adjacent to the town centre, it would be expected that patients would use the town’s car parks,” said Mr Perry.

“Neighbours in Willow Crescent have commented that patients would park in their road.

“The crescent is a narrow cul-de-sac. It does not easily lend itself to any significant on-street parking, although there are no parking restrictions in place.

“If any patients were to park in the street, the number doing so would likely be small given the single surgery room being proposed and only for a small period of time.”

He also stated that the applicant proposes no changes to the ‘fabric’ of the grade II listed building and that the application is ‘purely for a change of use’.

He concluded: “It is considered that the proposed development is acceptable in principle [and] that there is adequate parking available locally so is not likely to cause harmful on-street parking.

“The near town centre location would allow many patients to walk and also to combine their journey with using the other services and facilities in the town; enhancing its vitality and viability.”