Controversial plans to expand a dental surgery in a busy city street have been approved after a pledge to welcome 200 new NHS patients.
A planning application to extend Friends Dental Practice, in Sprowston, into the adjoining house has been approved by Broadland District Council (BDC) despite strong calls from neighbours to block the expansion.
The Wroxham Road business first applied to transform the property into further treatment spaces and expand its car park at the start of February.
Dr Zain Shamoon, principal dentist and owner of Friends Dental Practice, said: "I am satisfied. This is a step in the right direction."
However, BDC has issued 13 conditions the surgery must meet to expand the site.
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"It is delaying things even more - it could be August or September before we can start seeing new patients," Dr Shamoon added.
"We are asking prospective patients to be patient and keep an eye on our website.
"Forms for new NHS patients will be opening online when we are ready to open for more people.
"We will definitely hit 200 NHS patients and, while we will be prioritising children in need of free dental care, we will also have places for adults."
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BDC has told Dr Shamoon that the on-site car park must be completed before the practice can take on any further patients and warned that parking issues in Wroxham Road will be closely monitored during the first three months of the finished development.
Natasha Harpley, deputy leader of BDC and Labour councillor representing Sprowston Central, said she would "welcome more dentist spaces, especially for NHS patients", but not at the risk of safety concerns.
The application was strongly supported by many living in the area and received 44 letters of support and only eight objections.
Work must start within three years of the approval of the plans.
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