BLACKHEATH is set to get a new dental surgery after demand for NHS places has rocketed in recent years.

 

The Bhandal Dental group, which has surgeries across the West Midlands and three in Rowley Regis, has applied for planning permission for a further premises on Blackheath High Street.

The former Hallmark Cards shop dates back to 1900 and has been unoccupied for the last 12 months.

The planning application lays out the need for more capacity for NHS dental spaces in Rowley Regis.

A Sandwell Council spokesman said: "Dr Bhandal's present surgery on Birmingham Road is presently operating at capacity.

"The Primary Care Trust and a growing patient list has established that there is a need for an additional dental surgery in Blackheath."

He added: "The proposed new dental surgery will be annexed to the dental surgery on 74 Birmingham Road and will enable Dr Bhandal to continue accepting NHS patients."

The planning application is to change the use of the premises to a dental surgery and to allow the construction of a two storey extension at the rear of the shop.

The public car park at the rear of the proposed new surgery will cater for staff and patients parking needs, however, there will be five private parking spaces created behind the surgery.