Complete Dental in Bearwood, Smethwick, has submitted a new planning application to extend its surgery on Bearwood Road, after the previous proposal was rejected by Sandwell Council over privacy issues. The practice says the expansion is essential to tackle a 'significant' shortage of NHS dental appointments in the area.
Revised plans to increase capacity
The original application, which was turned down earlier this year, sought to build a three-storey rear extension adding four new surgery rooms. The revised proposal still increases capacity but with a smaller footprint: two new rooms and two extended rooms, instead of four entirely new ones. This change aims to address the council's concerns about the extension being 'obtrusive, overly dominant and disproportionate'.
A statement from Complete Dental explains: 'There is a significant and ongoing shortage of NHS dental provision across Sandwell and neighbouring areas. Complete Dental is currently experiencing very high levels of patient demand, resulting in long NHS waiting lists and limited appointment availability. Local demand for NHS dental services continues to grow, and the existing size and layout of the premises restrict the practice’s ability to meet this need effectively. The proposed expansion is the only realistic means by which the practice can increase capacity, shorten waiting times, and improve NHS patient access.'
Previous rejection over privacy concerns
Sandwell Council refused the first application by Dr Nikesh Farmah, stating that a three-storey extension would lead to 'intrusive overlooking' and a loss of privacy for neighbours. The council's report said: 'The proposed development by reason of its footprint, scale, height, massing, orientation and roof design appear to create an obtrusive, overly dominant and disproportionate additions that unbalance the host property. Additionally, the application if approved would create a precedent for applications of a similar nature that would seriously detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding area and result in highways safety and network concerns given the lack of off-street parking provision.'
Impact on NHS dental services
The practice emphasises that the expansion is critical to meeting growing patient demand. Sandwell has faced a well-documented shortage of NHS dentists, with many residents struggling to access appointments. Complete Dental says its waiting lists are 'very high' and appointment availability is 'limited'. By increasing the number of surgery rooms, the practice hopes to reduce waiting times and improve access to NHS dental care for local patients.
The revised application is now under consideration by Sandwell Council planners, who will assess whether the scaled-down plans adequately address the previous concerns while still delivering the needed capacity boost.
