PLANS to create more space for medical use at an Oswestry dental practice have been given the go-ahead by Shropshire Council.

Oswestry Dental Centre, in Willow Street, applied in August to change first floor space from offices into medical use with the formation of additional treatment rooms and staff facilities to the first floor.

It also proposed to apply for an enlarged reception area on the ground floor with new shopfront glazing, installation of a wheelchair accessible lift to the rear along with a new fire escape route.

The plans were given backing by Oswestry Town Council and planning officer Mark Perry approved the plans, albeit with some changes.

In his report he said: “I have reviewed the above application and have no objection to the change of use; however, the following comments are made on the changes to the frontage as the building is within the Oswestry Conservation Area and next door to a Grade-II listed building.

“The use of tile hanging to the frontage it not supported and it is considered that the brick should remain. Slate hanging is seen in Oswestry but this is used on gable ends to protect from the weather rather than on the frontages.

“The moving of the main shopfront forward is supported, but we would recommend that the door way should be recessed as this is clearly evidenced during the recent review of the historic street scene for the Heritage Action Zone project that most shop doors are/were recessed and it would be a further enhancement to reflect this detail as part of this project too.

“The provision of internal illumination as indicated on the application is not acceptable in this location either.”

He concluded: “The development would respect the context of the site and would not be harmful to the character or appearance of the wider historic and built environment or the amenities of nearby properties.”