The approval of a retrospective planning application is a pleasing result for a Dentist in Sandhurst following an enforcement investigation by Bracknell Forest Council. The granted permission will allow for a further two consulting rooms, a new entrance, enhanced parking and the redevelopment of a garage to provide a staff room for NHS employees.
Permission for the dental practice was originally granted in 2003 but the Council limited the number of consulting rooms to two due to limited parking facilities on site (seven spaces) and also advised that the garage facilities be used only for parking.
The retrospective application, with plans prepared by MVL Architects, demonstrated the need for four consulting rooms, instead of two. The original 2003 permission limited the number of consulting rooms to two due to concerns that seven parking spaces would be insufficient to accommodate additional consulting rooms. In this submission, eight parking spaces were proposed, alongside the expansion to four consulting rooms. The plans also proposed a change in use for the garage – to now be used as a staff room. The room would provide staff with a valuable, warm and safe environment for taking lunch and having staff meetings; a facility that is currently lacking at the address.
ET Planning submitted support for these proposals by arranging for a transport statement to be prepared by Motion Transport, to show that on street parking was available if needed and that parking facilities should not limit the number of consulting rooms. The application also highlighted that the Dentist had already been proactive in implementing a travel plan for staff to arrive by public transport or car sharing to reduce the demand on parking.
ET Planning concluded the application by highlighting that the surgery provided valuable NHS Dental services to the community of Sandhurst and neighbouring areas, and that the application was in support of sustainable development.
Bracknell Forest Council approved the plans under delegated powers, and closed their enforcement investigation.