By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
A new five-surgery dental practice providing access to NHS dental services for up to 7,000 patients will open in Ryde.
County Hall has granted the Harunani & Co Group of Dentists planning consent to convert the ground floor of 51 and 52 High Street into an NHS clinic, employing five dentists, five dental nurses, two reception staff and one manager.
Earlier this year, the council also accepted plans for a ten-surgery practice at 7–8 High Street from another provider, Damira Dental.
Harunani & Co’s approved proposal 25/00741/FUL includes a change of use of the first and second floors of no. 52, forming part of the practice.
Planners’ decision report said: “The provision of NHS dentistry on the Island is poor and the application seeks to meet some of the unmet need using additional financial support provided by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS.
“The proposed improvement to the public service infrastructure of the Island is welcomed in principle, as is the additional jobs and the location, which would help to support the vitality and viability of the town centre.”
Isle of Wight Observer