A dental practice in Portadown is planning to expand, with the creation of six new jobs.
The planning application for DJ Maguire and Associates in Bridge Street is currently being considered by planners at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Lodged by agent HPA Architecture on behalf of the dental surgery, the application seeks to change Heathwood House’s use from a residential premises to one that can be used as a dental surgery.
The property is located at 87 Bridge Street, Portadown.
The work will form part of proposed enhancements to the existing dental practice and will allow it to improve the current facilities on offer for its NHS patients and staff.
A map with the the dentist’s current premises in blue and the potential area of expansion highlighted in red
If approved, the new accommodation will include four surgery rooms, with supporting ancillary accommodation, and a further orthodontic suite and separate surgery room on the first floor.
Plans are also in place for the building to provide staff accommodation and a storage filling area. A minor extension to the front porch will also create a small reception office.
The application form notes Heathwood House currently comprises three storeys of mixed use accommodation but due to its current condition the lowest floor is currently not in active use.
It also notes that should the plans come to fruition, the number of vehicles visiting the site on a daily basis is expected to increase by one.
The expansion will see 10 employees visiting the site on a daily basis and 47 others.
Currently, it employs 25 staff and it is hoped this expansion will create six new roles within the company.
A transport assessment submitted with the application suggests car parking facilities in Foundry Street should be able to accommodate the increase in travel to the site on a daily basis.
The standard consultation is due to expire on Friday, February 25 and the application will be advertised until Friday, March 4.
