Plans to convert one of Durham City’s only NHS dental practices into student flats have been branded ‘outrageous’.  

A proposal submitted by Hugo Wilkie-Smith details a bid to convert the Bridge House Dental Surgery into eight purpose-built student apartments. 

If approved, the first floor of the building on the corner of Framwellgate Bridge will be converted into flats.

But the initial details of the plans have been met with fierce opposition from local politicians. 

The Northern Echo: If approved, the first floor of the building on the corner of Framwellgate Bridge will be converted into flats. If approved, the first floor of the building on the corner of Framwellgate Bridge will be converted into flats. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Durham City MP Mary Kelly Foy reiterated the current perilous position regional dentistry is in, as hundreds of residents struggle to access routine appointments and urgent care. 

The Labour MP said: “Over the last year, hundreds of constituents have contacted me about their difficulties in accessing a dentist, and this application will do nothing to make this easier.

“Durham was already in danger of becoming a 'dental desert' and it's unacceptable that a vital service for the city will be lost for the sake of a studio development which in some cases won't even meet the minimum acceptable space standards.”

Ms Foy has been a long-standing campaigner on the issues around NHS dentistry in recent years. New figures show the number of County Durham adults who have seen a dentist in the last two years has dropped to 41 per cent. 

 “It is clearer than ever that more needs to be done to stop the decay of NHS Dentistry,” she added. 

The latest proposal is said to be the final phase of the redevelopment of the Bridge House building, which has taken place over the past seven years by Ridley Properties.

Ian Braithwaite,  tenant of the property, warned the current notice to leave the building is not sufficient enough to relocate the dental practice. 

He said: “The notice provided of six months will not allow us to relocate which has an effect upon the contract we have with the NHS for dental services in the local area. In order to ensure dental services are not affected in the area it would be good to hold back permission till the back end of the year.”

Durham City Parish Council also warned the loss of such a facility would likely exacerbate the challenges for patients accessing dentistry services in the area. 

The concern comes after a recent report by Healthwatch County Durham found that 83 per cent of dentists across County Durham were not accepting new NHS patients. The report concludes that there is very limited access for new registrations, meaning routine appointments such as dental check-ups are not available for unregistered patients. 

Many patients can only be seen once there is a problem requiring emergency treatment, rather than early intervention.

A statement from the parish council added: “The fact that this proposal would remove a much-needed primary healthcare provision for our city and offers no alternative provision at all will be deeply troubling for patients.”

It also voiced opposition to the proposed size of each studio apartment.

Recommended reading: 

​Grab our digital subscription for just £1.50 a month and stay connected with local news

Cllr Grenville Holland said: “This is absolutely outrageous and Durham really deserves better. This application must be fought every step of the way, and our council will be at the vanguard of this fight.”

Ridley Properties said levels two and three of the building have already been converted from office space to flats and have proved popular to help meet growing demand in Durham City. 

The planning application is due to be considered by Durham County Council later this year.