A Brightlingsea dental practice says its ability to care for residents would be “increasingly constrained” if its expansion plans are turned down.

Manor Parade Dental & Cosmetic Clinic has submitted plans asking Tendring District Council for permission to expand into the next door property – currently a home.

In a supporting letter, the principal dentist at the practice, Dr. Sonia Prashar, said: “Demand for NHS dental care locally has increased significantly, with limited availability of practices accepting new patients. As a result, our waiting list continues to grow, and appointment capacity is under sustained pressure.”

She added: “Our existing premises no longer provide sufficient clinical or waiting space to meet this level of demand safely and effectively. Without expansion, the practice’s ability to maintain access to NHS dental care for Brightlingsea and surroundings residents will be increasingly constrained.”

Dr Prashar said that the practice has been allocated additional Units of Dental Activity – which pay for more patients – by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex. By expanding the size of its clinic, she said the practice will be able to reduce patient waiting times, improve patient flow and accessibility, reduce pressure on neighbouring practices and urgent care services, and provide employment opportunities.