RESIDENTS concerned about potential parking problems in Rhos on Sea have written to Conwy County Council in objection to plans for a new dentist.
Mr and Mrs Wesley and Claira Davies have applied to Conwy’s planning department, seeking permission for the change of use of a detached home at 2 Allanson Road, Rhos on Sea, from house to dentist.
The planning department has advised councillors to grant the application when it is discussed at the council’s Bodlondeb HQ next week.
But neighbours have written to Conwy, complaining the plans are unsustainable due to potential parking issues.
The residents say Allanson Road would become clogged with traffic, making the junction at Whitehall Road dangerous.
Peter and Jenifer Bailey complained in a letter: “There are already eight dentists in the immediate vicinity.
“The proposal is out of keeping within a much sought-after residential area, which has no equivalent commercial properties whatsoever.
“The parking plan is neither adequate nor appropriate.
“Parking would be required for residents, a dentist, a nurse, and a receptionist, with no room for patients to park.
“They would, therefore have to resort to on-street parking in an already busy thoroughfare, which is used during busy periods as a ‘rat run’ parallel to Brompton Avenue.”
Mr W.R Evans agreed, saying: “The road is barely 7.3m wide, and vehicles travelling in the opposite direction need to wait to pass parked cars.
“My main objection would be to the parking situation, which would encroach along the street upwards of the residence.”
Gareth Pritchard added: “The additional traffic and parking of vehicles would create an additional hazard on Allison Road.
“It is very unlikely those visiting the dentist would use the very limited parking available and would therefore park in the road.”
S.J Lawrence wrote: “There is insufficient off-road parking for the additional movements that this conversion would generate.”
Michael and Elaine Potts agreed.
“Allison Road is one of the nicest undeveloped roads in Rhos on Sea and is part of the character of the area,” they wrote.
“The addition of business premises, with the coming and going of clients, would lead to an increase of on-street parking, as there is insufficient space within the premises for off-street parking.”
Mr J.H and Mrs A. Gibbons added: “The proposed development would introduce a discordant, disruptive commercial element into the local environment which would be out of character in this prime residential area.”
I.D Waters had safety concerns from increased traffic on Allanson Road and Whitehall Road, and Mr and Mrs Tucker added the property was near “higher-end domestic dwellings” whose residents pay a high rate of council tax.
They said they were worried the development could lower the value of their property.
But developers Mr and Mrs Davies argued that the driveway of their property at 2 Allanson Road was large enough for up to five vehicles to park at the proposed dentist.
“With regards to cars parked on the street and pulling out of driveways, on many occasions I have had vehicles parked opposite and adjacent to my drive, and on zero occasions have I had issues with visibility with on-coming traffic and pedestrians.
“We have had as many as five cars on our driveway at one time, which proves it is a very spacious area.”
The letter added: “The driveway entrance is well over 100ft from Whitehall Road, giving any speeding vehicles plenty of opportunity to adjust their speed accordingly.”
Planning officers also stated the development is appropriate for the area and would be unlikely to cause any issues.
The planning report states: “It is noted that the practice is fairly small scale with only two staff working at a time and only one consultation/theatre room.”
It is advised, though, that a condition be added restricting opening hours.
The application will be debated on Wednesday afternoon by members of Conwy’s planning committee.
