Controversial plans to convert 'vital' city dental practice recommended for approval |
Cotman House Dental Surgery, near Norwich Cathedral, could close if an application for its conversion is given the green light on Thursday.
The site's landlord, Dean Shields, wants to turn the surgery - which has been there for 22 years - into a two-bedroom flat to align with the rest of Cotman House.
But the possible loss of the surgery has caused outrage among its 1,500 patients, who fear they would not be able to find a dentist of the same quality as Jonathan Frost, who runs the practice.
More than 100 of his patients wrote to planners for Norwich City Council pleading for their beloved surgery to be saved.
Despite the objections officials at Norwich City Council recommended the plans be approved.
One objector said: "Jonathan is more than a dentist. He cares, he knows us, we don't get shifted from him to a hygienist, he does all our care himself."
Another patient said: "This change of use will deprive some 1,500 Norwich residents of vital healthcare.
"It will be impossible for this number of patients to find alternative dental care."
But council planners said in their recommendation report: "These details however, while of merit, are not material to the consideration of the change of use, as this policy is used to cover a wide range of community facilities."
The application has also led to tension between Mr Shields and Mr Frost.
In recently released documents, Mr Shields argued Mr Frost is looking to relocate his practice.
But Mr Frost, who was unaware of the planning application, argued this was "completely untrue".
In response to the document, a spokesman for Mr Frost said: "At no point has Mr Frost decided to relocate.
"On the contrary, he has stated at every opportunity that he wishes to renew his lease and that, excepting an agreed rent increase, which he recognises."
City Hall's planning committee will decide on the plans on Thursday, March 12.