Dentist submits plans to open new dental surgery in retail premises in Ebbw Vale
A dentist is looking to expand and open a new dental surgery in a retail development in Ebbw Vale.
Dr Len Smart, who owns Bridge Dental Care in Newby Bridge and surgeries in Abercynon and Ystrad Mynach, is hoping to change the use of a vacant retail unit into a new practice. The unit is located at The Walk and sits between a building society and a Poundstretcher store.
Dr Smart believes that a dental practice would add to the area, but there are some obstacles that could impact the decisions made by planning officers. The main hurdle is the use of the units within The Walk, which should only be used for retail purposes, according to local planning policies.
Sophie Godfrey, planning officer, explained that the units located within The Walk are used predominantly for retail purposes, but recommended that Dr Smart’s application be considered carefully due to the fact that the premises have been vacant for two years. She added that there is no shortage of retail units in the town and suggested that a new dental clinic would increase footfall in the area and enhance the “vitality and viability of the town centre and primary retail area.”
If the plans get the green light, the practice will house eight treatment rooms, a reception and waiting area and a consultation room on the ground floor. On the first floor, there will be a staff room and a kitchen and toilet. The project will create 20 new full-time jobs.
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