A north-east dental practice will be allowed to undergo a major expansion after the intervention of the Scottish Government.
Aberdeenshire councillors believed the proposals outlined by Queen Street Dental would have a “negative impact” on Peterhead’s Queen Street.
They were concerned the plan – which will see the current surgery move to an adjacent building once work is complete – was not in keeping with the streetscape and was too modern.
That saw members of the Buchan area committee reject a bid to create additional staff areas and recovery rooms at a meeting in April.
Following the refusal, however, developers submitted an appeal to the Scottish Government and now the original decision has been overturned.
Government reporter, Jo-Anne Carrick, concluded that there were “no material considerations” that would justify refusal and issued conditional planning permission.
She said: “The design of the extension to the rear, whilst contemporary, is sympathetic to the design of both the host building and immediate surrounding area.
“At my site inspection I observed that the part of the appeal site that is due to be replaced by the new extension is not of any particular interest and is in a poor state of repair.
“Nearby properties have a range of different extensions to the rear, with no prevailing style. The rear extension would not be visible from the front of the property.
“I therefore consider that the design and materials of the rear extension are appropriate and would respect the scale, character and density of its surroundings.”
The Queen Street Dental Centre is operated by Balmoor Dental Surgeries who also run practices in Aberdeen, Elgin and Ellon.
Councillors on the Buchan area committee are expected to discuss the Scottish Government’s verdict at a meeting on Tuesday.
It’s understood, however, they will simply be asked to “note” the ministers’ decision, with the matter otherwise at an end.
