Roseberry Dental Practice, the only dental clinic in Guisborough accepting adult NHS patients, is seeking planning permission to expand its premises.
Malmin Healthcare NE Ltd, the company behind the practice, wants to extend into a neighboring residential property on Westgate. This requires a change of use planning approval from Redcar and Cleveland Council.
The adjacent building is a late 19th-century terraced house. Although it is not listed, it sits within the town’s conservation area, which is a factor for planners to consider. Guisborough Town Council has not raised any objections to the current application.
A supporting statement prepared by Total Planning Solutions (UK) explains that an internal connection will be made between the two buildings. The proposal involves internal renovations only, with no external alterations planned.
The statement highlights that the existing dental practice is operating at full capacity. It also notes a significant unmet demand for NHS dental services in the area.
“In Guisborough, we are the only practice accepting adult NHS patients,” the statement said. “Regional data from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board show that 14 dental practices returned NHS contracts in 2023/24, and up to 97 percent of practices in the region are not accepting new adult NHS patients.”
The neighboring property has been on the market for some time, but no offers have been made to keep it as a residence. Fahim Farooqui, the applicant, purchased the property to help ease the current space constraints.
The expansion also includes plans for a teaching surgery on the first floor, intended for newly qualified dentists from Newcastle University.
“The existing premises are operating at full capacity. Waiting times for appointments are increasing, and there are not enough treatment rooms to meet demand for additional NHS patients,” the statement said.
“Integrating 122 Westgate into the existing practice offers a practical, sustainable solution to space issues. It will allow more surgeries and improve patient flow, benefiting the local community directly.”
The proposal aligns with both national and local planning goals. It supports the growth of a vital NHS facility already located in a healthcare area, avoiding the need for new land development.
The location is central and well served by public transport and car parks. Additional clinical space will help the practice meet NHS contract requirements and treat more patients in a proper care setting.
Planned internal changes include a dental surgery and practice manager’s office on the ground floor, plus another surgery room, sterilization room, toilet, and waiting area on the first floor.
The expansion could also create between two and ten new jobs.
Regarding the conservation area, the statement assures there will be no physical changes to the building’s exterior or surrounding environment. The work will be limited to internal modifications, preserving the historic character and appearance of the area.
If the council finds that changing the use from residential to dental might cause minor harm to the heritage asset, this should be weighed against the significant public benefit of expanded NHS dental care for the community.
The public has until August 13 to submit comments on the proposal.
Recently, a health scrutiny committee in Redcar heard about several NHS initiatives aimed at improving access to both routine and urgent dental appointments. However, Dave Gallagher, chief contracting and procurement officer at the Integrated Care Board, warned councillors that restoring full service will take time. He added that services were likely not in good shape to begin with.
