Plans to alter a Beaconsfield dental practice have been refused after being branded “inappropriate”.

The part-retrospective works sought to overhaul the London End building.
The scheme would have created six dental surgeries, reception areas, an orthopantomogram room, welfare facilities, a decontamination room, and office space.

However, Buckinghamshire Council rejected the application, saying the plans would harm the listed property.

In its decision notice, the authority stated: “The proposals by virtue of the works to the listed building 19 London End, including the loss of historic, inappropriate replacement materials and work, and inclusion of modern new rooflight would not preserve the architectural and/or historic interest of the listed building.

“The public benefits of the scheme do not outweigh the harm that would be caused to the listed building.”

Planning documents had argued that the building’s size would have remained unchanged.

Work included replacing floors, doors, and partitions; installing bespoke dental joinery in surgeries; reinstating period-style skirting and cornices; and restoring original sash and casement windows with slimline double glazing.

Lead-lined plasterboard would have been fitted in treatment rooms, structural repairs made to strengthen timber joists, and non-original bathrooms removed.

Discreet rooflights and vents were proposed to meet the surgeries clinical needs while preserving the building’s heritage character.

It stated: “The proposed alterations as shown in the drawings and documents attached aim to adapt the existing layout to accommodate a dental practice while improving the comfort levels of the property and enhancing and restoring its original planform and architectural features.

“The main alterations are related to the modern parts of the property and are considered to be minor in scale and sympathetic and respectful with the character and appearance of the listed building.

“For the above-mentioned reasons, it is considered that the proposed alterations are in compliance with the relevant policies and that the Buckinghamshire Council will have no difficulty giving a favourable response to this planning and listed building consent application.”

A heritage statement adds that the proposed layout was informed by accessibility needs and Care Quality Commission dental surgery requirements.

The works are said to have a neutral impact on the building’s significance, as most changes are internal.

It said: “In some instances, where modern fabric has been removed, or later partition walls were demolished without consent, retrospective consent is being sought for the works.

“The new proposals are informed by an assessment of the building’s significance and will not result in further loss of historic fabric, or impact on the platform, any more than previously existing.

“The proposals retain the current use of the building as a dental. The size of the existing building remains unaltered.”