A DENTAL practice in Pendle is set to provide care for an extra 4,000 patients after councillors gave the green light to the ambitious expansion plans.

Last night councillors on the Nelson Committee gave the go ahead for Dentistry For All to increase its operations in the town.

The practice, based in Scotland Road, Nelson, is already the town's largest NHS practice with 8,000 patients.

Councillors were considering two proposals - to allow the practice to build a single storey extension to its present location covering the whole garden, and a change of use to an adjoining residential property in Every Street.

A report to the council raised concerns about the appearance of the extension, as it would alter the appearance of the area by the building being two metres deeper than the others in the terrace.

Partner Nicholas Taylor told councillors the proposals would allow the practice to treat an extra 4,000 patients and employ five extra staff, including receptionists and cleaners and two full-time dentists. He also mentioned a computer shop on the row of terraced properties had extended their premises in the same manner the practice intended to.

Supporting the motion Coun Mohammed Iqbal said the practice had been in the town for 100 years and should be supported.

He said: "This town has one of the worst records for dental care in the country and this application will increase the number of dentists in the town which will alleviate the problem.

"I think this is a good thing and this council should be supporting things like this. I would ask all members of the council to support this application."

Coun Donna Caley also backed the proposals. She said: "There is another building in the street like this proposed one and it would be in-keeping with what the building looks like now.

"I think health issues should override policy issues."

The extension will be used for a reception and waiting area, while the neighbouring house in Every Street will be turned into treatment rooms.