AN OLD doctors' surgery in Hereford cannot be turned back into a house, planners have said.

The Aylestone Hill surgery closed in August 2020 as Hereford Medical Group planned to open the medical centre in Station Approach.

Hereford Times: Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the new medical centre in Station Approach in August 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the new medical centre in Station Approach in August 2020

After the closure, applicants Darren Smith and Nicola Aubrey asked if they could turn the surgery, on the corner of Aylestone Hill and Penn Grove Road, back into a house with an annexe on the second floor.

They also wanted to build a single-storey extension to the rear, with a rooftap balcony, and make some internal alterations and car parking to the front.

But Herefordshire Council's planning department turned the plans for the three-story town house with a basement down.

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Rejecting the application, development manager at Herefordshire Council Simon Withers said the plans failed to show how the required visibility splays from the driveway would be achieved, risking the safety of walkers.

He also said there would be no on-site turning for cars, and removing a "prominent" section of the Edwardian boundary wall would result in a loss of a feature which makes a "positive contribution" to the significance of the Aylestone Hill conservation area.

The third reason for refusing the application was the rooftop balcony on the proposed extension would create an "adverse residential relationship", and have an "overbearing" impact.

A design and access statement submitted to the council said the ground and first floors of the building were used as a surgery space with a reception area, waiting room and consultation rooms located on both floors.

It said there was storage, a kitchenette and bathroom area on the top floor, and to the rear a large car park.

"The application proposal envisages the proposed change of use from doctor's surgery back into a single dwelling, second floor relative's annex, single storey extension to rear, other internal alterations and car parking to front," it said.

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"As the proposed plans and elevations illustrate, the proposed front elevation will remain largely unchanged save for the side single storey lobby entrance.

"The ground floor will be extended and altered to return the former surgery to a family dwelling.

"At ground floor level, the property will comprise a lobby and cloakroom, hallway leading to a large open plan living/kitchen/breakfast/dining room, utility room and newly constructed gym and leisure space.

"At first floor, accommodation will comprise a master suite with dressing room and bathroom, bedroom and family bathroom.

"The second floor will be converted to provide 2 further bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen/living space which is to be used as relative’s accommodation.

"To the front of the property, car parking is proposed with access from Aylestone Hill whilst the rear will be converted to a secure and private garden area."