Town council opposed to expansion of dentist in Kesgrave

Plans had been submitted for front, rear and side extensions to Kesgrave Dental Care in Penzance Road in May. 

The practice operates out of a converted semi-detached bungalow and currently has two consulting rooms, a small waiting room, reception, small staff kitchen and toilet. 

13 Penzance Road is home to Kesgrave Dental Care, but concerns have been raised over parking (Image: Google) The proposal is to demolish the garage and build a single-storey rear and side extension to the bungalow. The rear element has a flat roof and will provide two additional consulting rooms and a disabled access toilet.

The plans have seen objections from residents and Kesgrave Town Council, with the council objection over the issue of parking and worries over that the site may be overdeveloped. 

In an objection letter to East Suffolk Council, the council said: "Whilst its noted Penzance Road is a bus route it only servers one bus the route 66/66a, this service does not cover the whole of Kesgrave or many of the surrounding parishes, therefore a large amount of their customers can only access the dentist via their own vehicle.

Whilst the council are opposed to the plans, Suffolk Highways have recommended the plans for approval subject to conditions. (Image: Google)

"It is also worth noting that this dentist is not NHS but only for private patients. Penzance Road is also a narrow road where two buses or larger vehicles such as HGVs cannot pass side by side, one vehicle must mount the pavement.

"This problem will only intensify if cars are consistently parked on the road. SCC have also asked for the provision of a cycle storage and charging of electrically assisted cycles, which will only further reduce the onsite parking spaces, which are already inadequate."

However, Suffolk Highways recommended the project for approval, with the condition of more cycle parking to better encourage more sustainable travel and reduce potential congestion through limited parking.