A NEW dentist could open in Basingstoke in a unit that was previously earmarked to become a café. 

A planning application has been submitted by Union4 Planning Ltd to change unit 2 in Park Prewett Road, Rooksdown, into a dentist.

The site is a single unit to be within a mixed residential/retail block to the south of Park Prewett Road and is in the area of the Park Prewett residential development.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council gave permission for the unit to be turned into a café in 2013 but it has since remained empty.

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Basingstoke Gazette: The location of the proposed site

The application states: "That use has not come forward and the applicant considers the unit to be suitable for their dentist use.

"The scheme does not propose any physical external changes but will require internal redesign to provide two surgical rooms and one hygienist room, along with several associated spaces as shown on the proposed plan. The internal changes in themselves do not require planning permission."

It continued: "The present submission is for a medical practice in the form of a Dentist. This will bring an important community facility to the area, enabling local people within the new development to walk to the service."

At time of writing the application had one letter of support.

The letter, from Michael Evans, reads: "With access to dental treatment being an issue for many, the availability of a dentist within Rooksdown is welcomed.

"This should provide an essential and much needed service."

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The unit is one of four on the ground floor with flats above, and according to the application a planning inspector, in determining a recent appeal, the site is "locally distinctive and as such makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area". 

There are bus stops opposite in Park Prewett Road and the site is deemed to lie within a sustainable location.

The full application can be viewed on planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications by entering the 24/00067/FUL reference number.