New dental practice also set to open in Newtown

A new dental practice could be set up above a pizzeria in Newtown, bringing six dentists to Powys.

Dr Balbir Bhandal of Imperial Dental has lodged a planning application with Powys County Council to change the use of the first floor of Straight Lines House on New Road, from offices to a dental surgery.

The conversion includes a two-storey extension at the rear of the building as well as new stairway, lift and reception area.

The ground floor is a Domino’s pizza takeaway.

Planning agent Neil Ranford of NCR Architectural Design Limited explained the proposal in a design and access statement.

Mr Ranford explained that the conversion would see: “seven surgeries  specialised rooms, and areas for and operational efficiency and patient care” set up in the building.

Mr Ranford said: “The planning application seeks to ensure that this building can continue to contribute to the economic life of Newtown.

“The application seeks to change the use of the first floor from vacant professional offices to a dental surgery.

“The application also includes a two-storey rear extension necessary to provide access to the dental surgery for all.”

Mr Ranford continued:  “Built in the later part of the 20th century Straight Lines House is a mixed-use building presently occupied by Domino’s Pizza on the ground floor.

“Imperial Dental and the NHS have identified the need for additional dental surgeries in Newtown.

“Finding an NHS dentist in Newtown can be challenging with many practices at capacity or not accepting new patients.

“The creation of a new dental surgery will support the ever-increasing need for high-quality NHS dentistry provision for local people.”

The existing car parking for seven cars will be   shared by the dental surgery and Domino’s Pizza and there will also space for delivery vehicles.

Mr Ranford said: “It is proposed that the practice will have six dental surgeons and six other staff, receptionist, nurses etc.”

“Imperial Dental is a successful family run business with specialised, competent and compassionate staff.

“The business has delivered exceptional evidence-based care for many years.

“Its expansion can be widely viewed as a positive and necessary development in terms of; expanded capacity which address severe NHS backlogs, domestic training expanding the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and enhancing NHS provision within a sustainable network of community services.”

A decision on the application is expected by October 9.

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporting Service