Plan to turn Ossett greengrocers into dental practice to ease ‘chronic shortage’

Documents submitted to Wakefield Council say the plan will help relieve the ‘chronic shortage’ of dentists in Ossett.

The planning application is for a change of use of the Sandra’s Cabbage Patch shop, on Station Road, to a dental practice.

The scheme also involves installing a new timber shop front to make to building similar in appearance to nearby properties.

A heritage statement submitted on behalf of Ossett Dental Care Ltd says: “An additional dental health service will help to remove the barrier to accessing much-needed dental care.

“Wakefield MP Simon Lightwood has expressed concern over the ‘chronic shortage’ of dentists in the district, which is why Ossett Dental Care aims to cater to the Ossett community and surrounding areas.”

According to the statement, the applicant, Claire Stott, has been working with Wakefield Council to help young people attain dental nursing apprenticeships.

It adds: “Ossett Dental Care will provide economic benefits to the area and create opportunities for the local community.

“The small shops in Ossett town centre are essential to the region’s economy, and the new dental service will support them.”

The property lies within a conservation area but is not listed as a building of historical importance.

Proposed works involve converting the ground floor into a dental surgery and waiting area, with a decontamination room at the rear.

If approved, the shop front and windows, described as being in “poor condition”, will also be replaced.

The report adds: “All other architectural features will be retained to maintain the building’s character.”

In July 2022, Wakefield Council voted in favour of a motion calling on the government to urgently reform NHS dental services.

The local authority also asked its adult services, public health and NHS scrutiny committee to investigate the state of dentistry across the district.

Figures from a subsequent report revealed 40 per cent of 12-year-olds in the district had tooth decay.