Dental surgery flat conversion plans face backlash

Bridge House Dental Surgery could be converted into student apartments

An MP has criticised plans to convert one of a city's only NHS dental practices into student flats.

Developers have submitted plans to the local authority to convert the Bridge House Dental Surgery in Durham into eight purpose-built student apartments.

But the plans have been met with fierce opposition from local politicians.

The firm which runs the dentist said they are currently looking for a new location for the practice.

'Dental desert'

The proposal has been submitted by Hugo Wilkie-Smith, who the BBC have been unable to make contact with.

Durham City Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy said: “Over the last year, hundreds of constituents have contacted me about their difficulties in accessing a dentist, and this application will do nothing to make this easier.

“Durham was already in danger of becoming a ‘dental desert’ and it’s unacceptable that a vital service for the city will be lost for the sake of a studio development which in some cases won’t even meet the minimum acceptable space standards.”

A recent report by Healthwatch County Durham found that 83% of dentists across County Durham were not accepting new NHS patients.

“It is clearer than ever that more needs to be done to stop the decay of NHS dentistry,” Ms Foy added.

Mary Kelly Foy MP said Durham was in danger of becoming a 'dental desert'

Durham City Parish Council also warned the loss of such a facility would likely exacerbate the challenges for patients accessing dentistry services in the area.

The parish council said: “The fact that this proposal would remove a much-needed primary healthcare provision for our city and offers no alternative provision at all will be deeply troubling for patients.”

'Committed'

A spokesperson from Mydentist, which runs the dental surgery, said they wanted to reassure patients regarding the plans.

They said: “We would like to reassure patients that although we may be moving practice location this year we are committed to continuing to provide dental care to the local community.”

They added that they are currently looking for a new location and that they will keep patients updated.

The latest proposal is the final phase of the redevelopment of the Bridge House building, which has taken place over the past seven years by Ridley Properties, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The planning application is due to be considered by Durham County Council later this year.