PLANS to build a new NHS dentists' surgery in Great Harwood appear to have been scuppered after planning permission was refused.

The surgery was set to be built on land off St Hubert's Street but concerns were raised over parking issues, as well as the size and design of the project.

At a meeting of Hyndburn Council's planning committee councillors heard that the surgery was to be built by ALH Developments of Chorley.

Alan Kinder, a chartered town planner speaking on behalf of the applicant, said: "Dental health care is a major problem in Great Harwood and this was an opportunity to employ an additional dentist in the area.

"It is important to realise that the proposal would have served the NHS patients in the local community. The scheme has not raised any local objections. It is a much needed facility."

Councillors said the development would be "un-neighbourly" and have an overbearing impact on the area.

Hyndburn Mayor Janet Storey said: "I don't think that anyone is saying that there's no need for this development. There's always a need for new dental surgeries. But this is not the right place.

The chairman of the planning committee, Coun Lynn Wilson, said: "Dental care is a very emotive issue but we are just considering a planning application for a building and this is not suitable. I would desperately like to see a dentists' surgery on this site but the proposed building is far too big for the location. It is not ideal at all."

A spokesman for Hyndburn and Ribble Valley PCT said that the planning application had not been made with their co-operation. He said: "The PCT was interested to learn that a company called ALH Developments has applied to build a new dentists' surgery on St Hubert's Street and welcomes the possibility of an increase in dental resources in the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley area, particularly those providing NHS dentistry.

"However, ALH Developments has not approached nor been in discussion with the PCT, as the authority responsible for commissioning NHS dentistry in the area, about the proposal.

"Should the company obtain planning permission, we would be pleased to talk through their plans in due course."