'MyDentist' extension plan submitted to Sunderland City Council
The planning department has received an application for the 'MyDentist' centre based at Oliver's House off Durham Road
by Chris Binding · ChronicleLiveNew proposals to enhance facilities at a Sunderland dental practice have been lodged with city planning officials.
The 'MyDentist' centre, located at Oliver’s House off Durham Road, is the subject of a fresh application submitted to Sunderland City Council's planning department. Earlier this year, plans for a ground floor rear extension were approved, which would accommodate additional surgery rooms, an office and a storeroom, as part of broader plans to "reorient" the dental practice.
Despite public objections during a council consultation exercise, including concerns about traffic and parking, the extension was greenlit by council planning officers on March 22, 2024. However, this approval came with the stipulation that "no more than 10 surgery rooms within the application premises shall be in use at any one time, in the interests of ensuring the intensity of the use of the premises is appropriate in relation to parking availability".
New plans have now been put forward to Sunderland City Council for the same site, citing difficulties with implementing the previously approved extension.
These issues included "problems constructing the rear (southern elevation) extension", leading to this element being "removed" under the new planning application. The specifics of the new plans are detailed in a planning statement submitted to the council.
The application details improvements to the dental practice's facilities, seeking permission for a "ground floor rear extension to facilitate two new surgery rooms, an office, a storeroom, the reorientation of five existing surgery rooms, and other associated internal and external works".
The planning statement reveals: "The proposed extension will bring the total number of surgery rooms from ten to eleven. One existing surgery room (Surgery 2) will be converted into an office (TCO room). A new fire exit included in the extension will exit onto a proposed external staff seating area. The extension will have a smooth red brick finish to match the external appearance of the existing building on site and those within its vicinity. It will be 3.2m in height and will have a flat roof."
The scheme's proponents say the plans would "help contribute to My Dentist’s nationwide operational requirements" and would "not result in an unacceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties".
While it was noted that "adequate parking is currently provided on site", applicants said "one additional designated car parking space has been provided in the rear car park as part of the development".
The planning statement adds: “As a similar application was approved under application ref 23/02366/FUL on March 22, 2024, the application is therefore considered acceptable in planning terms and there is a compelling case for the granting of permission without delay.”
A decision on the planning application is expected to be made once a period of council consultation has concluded. Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website lists a decision deadline of November 26, 2024. For more information on the planning application or to track its progress, visit the council’s planning portal website and search reference:
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