Dental Practice Planned For Former Bridal Boutique In Coleraine

A planning application has been submitted to convert a former bridal boutique and office accommodation in Coleraine into a dental practice.

Applicant Conal Gormley is seeking permission for the change of use at 7 Lodge Road, alongside minor external alterations and improvements to the forecourt to make the entrance more accessible.

According to a supporting planning statement, the three-storey property is currently vacant. It previously operated as a solicitor’s office before permission was granted for its conversion to a bridal shop in December 2018.

The proposals would involve reorganising the internal layout to provide dental treatment facilities, alongside patient, staff and administrative accommodation.

External works would include replacing an existing front roof window with a conservation-style rooflight, installing a further rooflight at the rear and fitting solar panels.

The building’s traditional features, including its sliding sash windows, decorative entrance surround and rendered finishes, would be retained.

The existing pedestrian entrance from Lodge Road would also remain. The paved forecourt would be regraded and repaved to create a gently sloping approach to a level entrance landing, with patient facilities provided on the ground floor.

No additional dedicated on-site parking is proposed. The supporting statement points to nearby public car parks at Railway Road and Long Commons, as well as walking connections to Coleraine’s bus and railway station.

The applicant’s statement argues that the scheme would bring a vacant commercial building back into use and provide healthcare facilities close to the town centre.

The proposals remain subject to planning approval.