Alpha Planning - Town Planning Consultancy

Alpha Planning represented Dr. Nicola Bone, assisting her in achieving her aspiration to establish her first dental practice in Hotwells, Bristol. The planning application sought a change of use of the ground floor and basement of a retail unit to a dental surgery (Use Class D1), plus some external alterations including a new shopfront, with the upper floors remaining for residential purposes. The site was located within a designated primary shopping frontage and the Local Plan suggested that non-retail uses were normally not permitted in such locations.

However, Alpha Planning was able to successfully demonstrate that when assessed against the Local Plan policy criteria and having regard to national planning guidance, the proposed surgery would be a real benefit to the vitality and viability of this shopping frontage, creating a complimentary use which meets local residents' needs. The occupation of this previously vacant unit would also instill confidence and signal investment in the area. Surveys of shops and facilities in the area, plus an assessment of the sustainability credentials and letters of support from local businesses and the PCT, added further weight to the case. Planning permission was granted and the dental practice is now open for business.

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