Community leaders in Durham have launched a final effort to prevent an NHS dentist from being converted into flats, fearing the loss of a crucial healthcare service for the local population. The Bridge House Dental Surgery, located at the corner of Framwellgate Bridge, is under threat of being turned into five apartments by Ridley Properties, who are seeking government approval after multiple rejections from local planning authorities.
Local politicians have raised concerns that the conversion would exacerbate the existing challenges faced by Durham residents in accessing dental care. The area’s dental services are already struggling, and losing this practice would place additional pressure on other facilities, making it harder for people to receive necessary treatment.
Ridley Properties has argued that the dental practice is set to vacate the premises in 2025 and relocate to new premises on Dragon Lane in Gilesgate. They claim that this move will not negatively affect local dental provision, asserting that there will be no significant impact on healthcare services in the area. The developers also emphasize that the proposed apartments would be of high quality and situated in a desirable location, with strong demand for such housing in Durham city center.
However, the relocation plan has been met with skepticism from campaigners. They dispute the claim that the new premises are ready to accommodate the dental practice, pointing out that the planning application for the new location has not yet been approved. Furthermore, they stress that the relocation could take until late 2025, leaving residents without access to essential dental care for several months.
One objector highlighted the potential consequences: “The dental practice not being able to relocate would be a catastrophic loss, not only for MyDentist but for the local community in Durham who heavily rely on this vital service.”
The City of Durham Parish Council has made it clear that they are strongly opposed to the conversion, arguing that the new premises are far from ready and that approval of the proposal would withdraw primary healthcare services from the area. Parish Council chair, Susan Walker, stated, “It is clear that approval of this appeal ahead of the timetable indicated by the dentistry service would effectively withdraw this primary healthcare provision for our residents and result in greater pressure on other dentistry services in the area.”
A government planning inspector is set to review the appeal and will deliver a decision later this year. Meanwhile, community leaders continue to push for the preservation of this vital NHS dental service.
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