A "MUCH needed" NHS dental surgery has been refused permission to set up in the Barbourne area of Worcester.

An earlier application to change 2 Beech Avenue from residential use to a dental practice was refused in April because it was felt a car park and additional traffic would detract from the residential character of the area.

The second application proposes to keep part of the second floor for residential use.

City council principal planning officer Peter Yates said the new application was very similar because it still contained two surgery rooms, a hygiene room and a 12-space car park outside.

Speaking on behalf of the residents objecting to the scheme, Dick Hill said this application was no different and should be rejected for the same reasons.

"This would be in direct conflict with the local plan," Mr Hill said.

"An NHS dentist is badly needed in the city," said Councillor Jo Hodges.

Coun Paul Denham said Worcester badly needed more NHS dentists after a number of surgeries throughout the city had become private.

"There is nothing to stop this chappie going completely private," said Councillor Mike Layland.

Councillor Mary Drinkwater said: "The road is in constant use and it is used as a rat run.

She said that a dental practice would add a further 120 extra car movements to the area and added there were already 12 dental practices in the area.

The application was refused by five votes to four because of the same reason as last time.