Tesco to be turned into a dentist

Bridge of Allan’s former Tesco Express store is to be turned into a dentist’s premises.

Stirling Council planners have granted conditional approval to Dereck Lang Shopfitting for a change of use and subdivision of the Class 1 retail until into three Class 2 units including a dentist, hearing clinic and an office.

There will also be new front entrances, windows and an entrance door to the rear, plus a cycle store at the building at 90A Henderson Street.

One representation was received in support of the proposal stating that the redevelopment of an unused shop to provide a much needed service was beneficial to the area.

A previous application for a change of use to a dentist was refused“since there were a number of discrepancies within the submission”said the planners, adding that these discrepancies had been addressed within the latest application.

In their decision, the planners said:“the site occupies the ground floor of a larger three-storey building and wraps round the rear of the neighbouring building. The building (of which this site forms the ground floor) is modern, constructed from brick with a slate roof and is attached, on the right when viewed from Henderson Street, to a traditional Victorian three storey building.

“Since the proposal utilises an existing building with only minor exterior alterations, no issues are raised with regard to the design and siting. Users of the dental practice and the hearing clinic will access the premises from Henderson Street. Users of the office will gain access via an existing door to the rear.

“Within Bridge of Allan local centre there is a presumption against the loss of all uses (particularly Class 1 retail) which contribute to their vitality and viability.

“Bridge of Allan’s network centre’s key role and function is convenience retail, comparison retail, food and drink, offices etc which are of a scale to serve the local community. It is not considered that the loss of this Class 1 unit would lead to a deficit in Class 1 premises and the proposed uses will contribute to the vitality and viability of the area.

“On balance it is considered that the proposal complies with the Development Plan.”