WARRINGTON dentist Andrew Brown says “commonse sense prevails” after winning a lengthy planning battle to expand his practice at Grappenhall.
After twice having his application for an extension at his Grappenhall Dental Practice on Knutsford Road refused, following opposition from some neighbours, he has now won permission on appeal.
Commenting on the decision he said: “I’m delighted that someone with a bit of common sense has seen through all the feeble, incorrect, incompetent and suspicious excuses given by the council planning officer and her colleagues.
“The officer from the planning inspectorate, Secretary of State has completely dismissed every argument from the planning officer and the objections from the NIMBY neighbours.
“He concluded that there was ample parking availability and that the modest increase that another surgery would contribute would be easily accommodated.
He dismissed the possibility of bats roosting in the car port , which is being replaced by the planned extension , and criticised the council and environment agency for not even bothering to do “After a site visit to examine the structure for themselves. He confirmed a bat survey was absolutely unnecessary.
“He agreed that some of the photos showing bad parking provided by the residents could have been staged with the residents own vehicles and in any case do not prove that these vehicles were from the dental staff and/or patients.
“He stated the development would not compromise highway safety and would also not compromise residential amenity.
Mr Brown added: “The Council had apparently suggested the imposition of conditions to restrict the number of dentists employed, the hours worked each day, and the number of patients registered with the practice, but have not suggested what these should be limited to or explained how such conditions would meet the relevant tests of law or policy.
“As the proposal relates to an existing established business, which is not currently restricted in terms of its hours of use and staff numbers, it would be unreasonable to impose such conditions in relation to a very modest extension.
“Why on earth would the council try and restrict access to a much-needed community service in such a time that is extremely difficult to get a dentist and the ever expanding population of Warrington is being left dangerously short of dentists – their decisions are beyond belief!
“The planning officer directly responsible for rejecting both initial applications had, for whatever reason, already decided that the application was going to be rejected – and before rejecting the second application, after I enquired about what further information I could provide to answer questions raised, the planning officer said in writing and I quote – ‘ it doesn’t matter what further information you provide , it is still going to be rejected !!!”
“How can this be a fair and justified process – surely the planning officer has to act on all the information given regarding an application not just base their decision on their own opinion.
“The council has not looked at this with the benefit of the community at its heart and has based their incorrect decisions on their own agenda.
“They have made countless errors in their facts and assumptions and this has been completely overturned by the Secretary of State.
“Finally common sense prevails.”
Now Mr Brown is looking forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the dental priactice next year.
He added: “2026 is my 20th anniversary of setting up Grappenhall dental practice and I’m delighted that we will now be able to extend our much needed services to more of the community of Warrington.
“We will continue to provide an excellent service at a very reasonable price.
“If anyone would like to register or find out more information about how we run the service please contact us on Grappenhalldentalpractice@virginmedia.com or call 01925 210977.
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “The Inspector has considered the submitted information and, on balance, has reached a different view to the Local Planning Authority. We accept the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to uphold the appeal.
“The proposal now has planning permission subject to conditions.”
