A BID to ease the pressure on NHS dentists in Suffolk today looks likely to get knocked back because it would not employ enough people.Proposals to open a surgery catering for NHS patients on Cedars Park, Stowmarket, will be put under the spotlight at a Mid Suffolk district council meeting next week.

A BID to ease the pressure on NHS dentists in Suffolk today looks likely to get knocked back because it would not employ enough people.

Proposals to open a surgery catering for NHS patients on Cedars Park, Stowmarket, will be put under the spotlight at a Mid Suffolk district council meeting next week.

But while the council recognises an "urgent need" for dental surgeries, council officers have recommended the plans are turned down so the building can be put to better use in terms of employment.

The building, on Kestrel Drive, has been designated for employment and the surgery would not fulfil the criteria - intending to employ just two full-time and two part-time staff.

Stephen Andrews, planning control manager, said: "There is an urgent need for additional dentists in Stowmarket but the permanent use of employment land for this use is not acceptable.

"At present the application is not for a temporary period. If a period of four to five years, for example, were to be proposed the application would be acceptable, subject to adequate parking being available."

The need for more dental surgeries in Suffolk was highlighted in Saturday's Evening Star. A man who was told he would have to wait up to two years for NHS treatment in Ipswich paid £200 and flew to Cornwall so he could be seen quicker .

Parish and town councillors seem to agree with the urgency and have both approved the Stowmarket application for three surgery rooms, an office and reception, staff room, store, x-ray room and waiting area.

Mid Suffolk district councillors will decide the fate of the application at a planning meeting on Monday at the council chamber in Needham Market from 2.30pm.

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Do you have a story from mid Suffolk? Call Hazel on 01473 324788, e-mail her at hazel.byford@eveningstar.co.uk or write to 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.