Expansion plans for a Harpenden dental surgery have been submitted, with the owners hoping to move extend the clinic into a residential unit next door.

Agents 4D Planning has submitted the application on behalf of the owners, which if approved, would see the Bowers Way Dental surgery move downstairs to 27 Bowers Way. Currently the dental surgery is at 29, with 27 being residential.

The plans would see the current surgery converted into a two bedroom flat, allowing the ground floor - number 27, a two-storey, five bedroom house - to become the new home of the dental practice.

The changes will see the practice expand and be able to cater for more patients.

The applicant argues that the changes would "facilitate the continued success and modest growth of the existing dental practice".

Addressing that the buildings are in a Conservation area - with number 27 currently a listed building, the applicant has said there would be "no material change to the area" and that the works will 'facilitate a slightly larger practice' without any homes being lost.

It comes at a time when many believe that British dentistry is in crisis, after a health watch poll found that 4 out 5 Brits struggle to see a dentist as a result of cost and lack of surgeries accepting new patients.

Many dentists are not currently taking on new patients, leaving many faced with a choice between suffering in silence and forking out for expensive private healthcare, an option not everyone can afford.

Last year, former St Albans MP and current Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for the area, Daisy Cooper said: "Childhood should be the time when we start little people on good habits and good health, instead, 70 children a day have teeth removed in hospital."

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The plans are currently at the consultation stage and residents have until June 15 to comment. 

The proposals can be commented on online or by visiting the council offices between Monday and Friday, where you'll be able to view all the planning applications in the area.

To view the plans in full and to comment, go to https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/ and input the reference number 5/2024/0750.