'Unsympathetic': Bearwood dentist's 'urgently needed' expansion plan is rejected

Sandwell Council has turned down proposals by Complete Dental in Bearwood, Smethwick, to build a three-storey rear extension and loft conversion to add another four surgery rooms at the Bearwood Road practice.

The dental practice said it needed to extend the building as it was experiencing “very high levels” of demand, long waiting lists and limited availability for appointments.

Sandwell Council’s planners rejected the application by Dr Nikesh Farmah saying the three-storey extension was “obtrusive, overly dominant and disproportionate” and the plans were “out of keeping".

The council added the “unsympathetic” extension would also cause problems by blocking the views of neighbours.

A report outlining the rejection by Sandwell Council 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.

“This would be considered to cause detriment to both the street scene – dormers to front not in keeping – and the visual amenity of neighbouring occupiers by causing a harm to outlook via an unsympathetic and nonsubservient top-heavy additions – three-storey flat roof to the rear – that do not correspond to the character and appearance of the original terraces.

“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.

“The siting and orientation of proposed windows to the rear elevation at the first and second floor of the proposed three-storey extensions to the main building would directly overlook habitable windows of neighbouring flats at Anderson Court, Poplar Road.

“This relationship would result in intrusive overlooking and a material loss of privacy to neighbouring occupiers.”

A statement included with the application by Complete Dental said: “The proposed development involves increasing the size of the existing premises to allow for additional clinical space, improved facilities, and enhanced operational capacity.

“This expansion will enable the practice to accommodate additional dental surgeries, staff, and modern equipment, thereby increasing patient capacity and service delivery.

“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.”