Plan to turn Blackheath's former bank into dental surgery
Neighbouring dentist wants to expand premises
A former Black Country bank will be turned into a dental surgery if plans are approved.
The former Barclays bank in Blackheath closed in April 2023, and the building has been empty since.
Bhandal Dental Practice, which occupies the adjoining building, wants to expand and take over the former bank.
The dentist is seeking to add an extra eight surgery rooms, three waiting areas, for new toilets and a reception area in plans submitted to Sandwell Council.
Dr Baljit Bhandal said there was a shortage of dentists in Blackheath, which suffered from significant deprivation.
“Finding an NHS dentist in Blackheath can be challenging, with many practices at capacity or not accepting new patients,” he said.
Dr Bhandal said the surgery had historically operated at capacity, indicating high demand in the area.
“The creation of eight more surgeries will support the ever-increasing need for high-quality NHS dentistry provision for local people,” he added.
Dr Bhandal said the site had a total of 13 parking spaces, including two disabled bays.
He said the practice employed seven full-time dental surgeons and 16 other full-time staff.
The application will now be considered by Sandwell Council’s planning department.
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