DENTISTS hope to open a new practice in East Wichel.

A planning application has been lodged with the borough council for a six day-a-week dental practice.

The application has been welcomed by councillors – who say that “valuable local amenities” are needed in the area.

Currently, residents in the new development have to travel to Old Town or Wroughton for treatment.

Applying on behalf of client Wichelstowe Dental Care, surveyor Emma Greening of Hunter Page Planning said that the new practice would employ three dentists, together with a hygienist and receptionist.

In a letter to borough planning officers, Ms Greening wrote: “There is a huge demand for dental places within the local area, and the intention is for the practice to predominantly serve the needs of the Wichelstowe development in the first instance.”

She said that the dental practice would be open up to six days a week. Planned opening hours would be 8am-7pm between Monday and Friday and 8am-1pm on Saturday.

The practice would be situated in Staldon Court, just off East Wichel Way, and will take both private and NHS patients, Ms Greening added.

Councillors have welcomed the application.

Nadine Watts, a ward councillor for Old Town, said: “I believe that there is a huge demand in the local area for dental places and this will help many residents of East Wichel.

“It is great to hear that the proposed change of use is not speculative and there is a confirmed end user for the site. It would be a most welcome addition to the neighbourhood centre.”

Parish councillor Nick Burns-Howell added: “With up to three dentists on site this could provide a valuable local amenity for the community.

“We will be working directly with local residents and the applicants to collate comments to ensure the community can help shape the proposals. We have consistently campaigned for new amenities and improvements in the East Wichel area and this proposal is an important next step.”

To comment on the planning application, search Swindon Borough Council’s planning portal for application S/17/2027.

To access the planning portal, visit: www.swindon.gov.uk/planning.