AN ORTHODONTIC practice could be the latest addition to a shopping centre if a planning application gets the green light next week.

A change of use at 18-19 Chelsea House, in Festival Place, to allow it to be used as an orthodontists will be heard by the borough council’s Development Control Committee on Wednesday.

The proposal has been recommended for approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council planning officers ahead of councillors deciding its fate.

The planning application, put forward by Portman Healthcare Limited, would mean the currently vacant unit being used for commercial purposes, with the basement, ground floor and first floor units also used.

The dental practice would be situated on the ground floor, with the basement levels providing staff facilities, a reception overflow and storage area.

Part of the report published ahead of the meeting details the history of the unit and how it has been vacant for some time. Part of the report read: “The unit was vacated by its last permanent occupant (Barclays) in June 2015 and has been vacant since.

“Additional information has been submitted by the applicant that has demonstrated the marketing efforts carried out by the lettings agents over the past three years.

“The unit has been marketed on several different letting platforms, however, no prospective clients have had interest in the unit.”

The new development would be deemed to be in line with the surrounding shops, according to the report: ““As the site is within Festival Place it would not affect the setting or character of the Conservation Area.”

Other applications due to be discussed at the meeting include the continued use of agricultural land for the use of touring caravans and motorhomes and the retention of poles to mount CCTV and lights in New Road, Little London, which council officers have recommended to refuse and begin enforcement action on.

Also on the agenda is the plan for the building of four dwellings comprising three affordable houses and one market dwelling, with associated garaging, landscaping and installation of a package treatment plant in Binley.

The meeting begins at the borough council’s offices in London Road at 6.30pm.

The public are able to attend the meeting.