Dental practice extension at 39 Broom Road, Broom

What was proposed

The proposal would change a vacant dwelling into medical space and add side, rear and glazed link extensions to the established dental practice.

“The proposal includes internal alterations to 39 Broom Road which will require a change of use from Class C3 Dwellinghouse to Class E(e) Provision of medical or health services, single storey side/rear extension and single storey link extension to provide additional clinical rooms, a staff training area, an office, and an enlarged equipment storage and decontamination facility.”

“Externally, a single-storey glazed link is proposed to improve operational efficiency while retaining the residential character of the site. This will consist of a single storey glass connecting structure with a flat roof between No. 39 and 41.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains two semi-detached properties on a residential street, with playing fields behind and rear garages accessed from an unadopted lane.

“The site comprises two semi-detached properties (No. 39 & 41) on Broom Road, a residential street in Rotherham, with Herringthorpe Playing Fields located to the rear. The properties are of a typical form, set back from the highway with long front and rear gardens. Garages serving this and neighbouring properties are situated to the rear and accessed via Arundel Road, a single‑track unadopted lane.”

Officer report

Earlier use and history

The existing dental practice has operated for many years, while the adjoining dwelling is vacant and has no previous planning history.

“The submitted information indicates No. 39 is an unoccupied dwelling requiring extensive renovation including rewiring, plumbing, plastering, flooring, and decoration. The site does not have any previous planning history. It is noted that the dental surgery has been in place for many years.”

Officer report

Professional responses

Highways supported the scheme because staffing and customer numbers would change little, while Environmental Health requested controls on hours and fixed plant.

“RMBC – Transportation Infrastructure Service – “support the application on highway grounds on the basis that there is to be a minimal change to staffing numbers and that there is to be no increase in customer numbers.”

“RMBC – Environmental Health – Note that “The property is located within a residential area with an existing dental practice at 41 Broom Road. Broom Road is currently a semi-detached residential dwelling. The applicant wishes to expand the business and in doing so proposes to join the two properties. Internal changes to the buildings include an increase in the number of treatment rooms and the provision of a staff room, a staff training room, and additional waiting room.”

Officer report

What local people said

Thirteen representations included support for healthcare improvements and objections about housing loss, parking, traffic, the lane, construction and possible expansion.

“Strong community support for increased NHS provision. • Perceived benefits to local healthcare capacity and community wellbeing. • Recognition that the applicant appears to be complying with planning rules. • Positive feedback on building improvements already made (e.g., front windows). • Neighbours satisfied with design/layout decisions that protect privacy.”

“Parking and Traffic Concerns • Existing parking pressure on Boswell Street and Arundel Road, already used by staff and patients. • Concerns that proposed parking provision is inadequate and will increase overspill parking on surrounding streets. • Difficulties residents experience when trying to park near their homes.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors were due to speak at the Planning Board meeting.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted the application for the reasons adopted by members and subject to the relevant conditions.

“(3) That application RB2025/1408 be granted for the reasons adopted by Members at the meeting and subject to the relevant conditions listed in the submitted report.”

Minutes