PLANS for a new dental surgery in the heart of Wibsey village have been lodged with planners.

The application, submitted by Dr Nadim Mushtaq, seeks permission to turn 19 Fair Road into a dentist surgery.

However, the nature of the surgery is not known, for example whether it will cater for NHS patients or not.

According to the application, the surgery will have two treatment rooms and will operate seven days a week, with opening times of 8.30am until 4pm.

"The layout remains largely unchanged with only the addition of a disabled toilet on the ground floor," it says.

"The existing cellar will be utilised for the staff changing room and WC.

"The ground floor will have a reception and waiting room, disabled WC and treatment room with decontamination room off it.

"The first floor will have a waiting room and treatment room with decontamination roof adjacent to it."

The application adds: "Pedestrian access is from the front of the property.

"A new disabled ramp will be added to ensure access for all.

"Parking is provided be to the rear of the property where there are four parking spaces.

"There is also ample parking to the front of the property and it is expected that many patients will travel by bus.

"There is therefore no reduction in highway safety or local amenity."

A consultation comment from Bradford Council's Highways Department says: "I have assessed the proposal and consider that the granting of planning permission would not have adverse implications for highway safety and therefore I raise no objections from a highways point of view.

"The site is situated in relatively sustainable location for travel by non-car modes.

"There is also short stay on street parking available across the site frontage on Fair Road and the side streets."

Earlier this year, the Telegraph & Argus reported on the closure of the Mydentist dental surgery at the bottom of Buttershaw Lane. A spokesperson for practice said there had been "long-standing" difficulties recruiting full-time dentists and increased running costs had made it necessary to close the practice.

An NHS spokesperson said: "When Mydentist gave NHS England notice on the contract local providers were identified to take on the additional dental activity and all of this has been fully allocated.

"Our work in the area is continuing with local market engagement hopefully being completed by the end of November 2018."

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins recently spoke in the House of Commons on dental health.

She said: "Tooth decay is entirely preventable, so will the Secretary of State act now to address the concerns from the BDA (British Dental Association) and others that the new dental contract will not go far enough in prioritising prevention?"

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the new contract was being trialled to get it right.