Solihull: Shirley residents wanted a bakery, cafe or coffee shop not a dentist at Blythe Valley Business Park

The dental practice at Blythe Valley Business Park (BVP) has been recommended for approval next week after receiving 21 objections.

Applicant IMP Investments RBS Ltd originally submitted the plans in January to change the use of Unit 3 of the Brambles Crescent-based business park to mixed-use, which allows for the surgery.

The plans include a training facility for new dentists, and external alternations including new unit entrances and air conditioning units.

A planning statement included in the original application said: “The opening times for the dental practice will range between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday.

“The associated training facility can accommodate up to 20 delegates and would initially run courses on a Friday and Saturday once a month with the anticipated flexibility for additional training days once the training centre is established.

“Parking for visitors to the dentist is available within the existing designated neighbourhood centre car park.”

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The plans went out for consultation last month when the objections were made. Among the objections was Cheswick Green Parish Council’s. Its submission to the authority said councillors were concerned about the parking issues the application could cause.

Residents shared similar concerns in their objections saying there is not enough car parking; the business park has poor public transport links and retail use would be a better choice for the location to benefit the local community.

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Councillor Ken Hawkins, who represents the Blyth ward, wrote in his submission: “I support the application with reluctance. I would dearly love a different service provision at the premises but it is quite obvious one is not forthcoming.

“The original ‘master plan’ for BVP looked for a cafe/bar – food and beverage facility but the fact remains there is no interest in this being taken up. An empty unit does nothing for the area.

“Sixteen full-time jobs are expected to be created but together with the planned training facilities, this will no doubt increase the demand for parking on site and neighbouring areas. I ask conditions are established to ensure the applicants take measures to address expected parking issues.”

Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved when it goes before Solihull Council’s planning committee’s next meeting.

In a report for the committee, officers write: “A local dentist surgery on a business park that has a strong residential element within it would promote wellbeing as part of other local facilities on offer and would create some small-scale employment.

“The parking accumulation calculation submitted demonstrates the existing 19 standard parking spaces, plus three disabled spaces, would accommodate all the parking needs.”

The committee’s meeting, which is open to the public, is being held at the Civic Suite from 5.30pm on Wednesday (December 4).