‘Desperate need’ to expand a dental practice

22 May 2024

A practice in Kent has applied for permission to expand due to the high patient demand.

Quigley Dental Practice in Northfleet has sought permission to change the building’s first floor from a flat into three new surgery rooms.

In the application, Mihir Shar said that the expansion would allow the clinic to go from seeing 30 patients a day to 75 a day.

According to Kent Online, the plan will “help meet demand as there is a desperate need to provide for NHS patients in the area.”

Research conducted by the practice states there are 15 practices within a five-mile radius. However, none of them accept NHS patients.

The development has been recommended for approval by officers. They said it will “enhance existing infrastructure which improves community wellbeing.”

They added, “On balance, the benefits of the scheme would outweigh the minor impact of the loss of one residential unit.”

Ten objections have been registered by residents. They are concerned about the increase in traffic and parking in an already busy area.

Council officials said there is “adequate local public parking provision”. The expansion plans do not include additional parking.