A GP surgery is applying to convert part of its first floor into a two bedroom flat.

St Richards Road Surgery in Deal is requesting a part change of use to the building to allow for the project.

The proposed apartment would be 80sqm in size, using space which has been vacant since the practice was built in 2007, with a small side extension.

This is to allow for separate access, allowing the residential element to remain independent of the practice.

The application has been submitted to Dover District Council by Assura PLC, a specialist real estate investment trust working only on healthcare premises.

They say it would make the most efficient use of the building and provide affordable worker accommodation for health care staff as part of Assura Living.

The proposed apartment will feature an open plan kitchen, living and dining area with two bedrooms and one bathroom, plus storage space.

'I fail to see why this doctor’s surgery is proposing to downsize in favour of residential accommodation'

It will be situated to the east of the existing building, and will not change the layout or operation of the surgery.

The proposed side extension, measuring 9.6sqm, will house a staircase to provide entry. It will be built using the same material palette and roof pattern.

One parking space will be designated for private use by the residents of the apartment.

But some locals are concerned about the increasing number of new homes being built in the area and are questioning the move.

So far, there has been three objections from members of the public.

Cllr David Hawkes said: “With approximately 600 additional properties being proposed/built within the local area; St Richards Road, Station Road and Cross Road, I fail to see why this doctor’s surgery is proposing to downsize in favour of residential accommodation.”

Ian Feltham said: “Although the planning statement indicates a falling population in the local area, this will not be the case when local housing schemes currently being planned are occupied.

“It would seem much better to enable the surgery to expand into this space in the future, rather than squeeze a flat into a not very suitable location.”

Pauline Hamilton said: “This is a purpose built building to provide health and wellbeing services for patients and, in my opinion, should remain so.”

Deal Town Council also objects unless a condition is added by DDC that the accommodation is to be used by NHS staff or Paydens Pharmacy employees only.

An Assura spokesman said: “This application will bring space which has been vacant for more than a decade into use as housing which will be ringfenced for use by NHS or pharmacy workers, in an area of chronic housing shortage. Both the practice and NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group have been kept informed of this proposal at every stage, and we have repeatedly offered the space for use by the practice and NHS.

“Planning consent to convert it to accommodation for health workers doesn’t mean it couldn’t return to clinical use at a later date, if the NHS should request this.”