A NEW dental surgery is set to be created in the Boots store in Basingstoke if planning permission is granted by the borough council.

Boots has submitted a planning application for a certificate of lawful development which would allow the store to open a dental surgery on the ground floor, which would be operated by a third party. Such a surgery existed in the store, in The Malls, between 2000 and 2005.

The surgery would be used only during the operational hours of the store and would be complementary to the main retail use.

The planning application states: “The dental surgery will provide easier access to health services for shoppers and workers within the town centre and neighbouring areas.

“We envisage it will increase the footfall to the store and the town centre in general, thereby aiding the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is expected to make a decision by January 16.