A Hereford dentist planning to open a new surgery in the city has met with more than teething problems.

Plans for a practice at the controversial Brentnor House residential home site in Hafod Road have been refused by Herefordshire Council planners.

The applicant, Mr M Worthing, had intended to relocate his practice from nearby Ledbury Road.

Last week's rejection was met with celebrations from nearby residents who had sent 17 letters of objection to the council.

Concerns centred on the project's impact on the Hafod Road Conservation Area, increased traffic and noise pollution.

Despite a recommendation for permission to be granted, council members felt the surgery would have an adverse impact on the conservation area and also had parking concerns.

The proposal was for three surgeries that together would generate nine to 11 patients an hour and six or seven cars in addition to six staff vehicles, which were to be parked on site. Access was to be widened and visibility splays erected across the frontage.

"Proposals for non residential development in established residential areas should be compatible with adjacent residential uses, and such proposals will not be permitted where they would have an unacceptable adverse effect on the residential character and amenity of the area, including highway safety," stated officers.

Plans had included a separate self-contained first floor flat that would have been used by one of the practising dentists.

Contact ANITA HOWELLS by e-mail at anita.howells@newsquestmidlands.co.uk