PLANS to build a new NHS dentists' surgery in Great Harwood have been refused - despite the chronic shortage of dental places.

The surgery was proposed to be built on land off St Hubert's Street but concerns were raised over parking issues, as well as the size and design of the project.

Hyndburn Council had blocked the plans and now an independent inspector has dismissed an appeal.

Alan Kinder, who represents Chorley-based ALH Developments which was behind the plans, told of the company's frustration.

He said: "Dental care is a major problem in Great Harwood and this was an opportunity to employ an additional dentist in the area.

"It is important to realise that the proposal would have served the NHS patients in the local community.

"The scheme has not raised any local objections. It is a much-needed facility."

Earlier this year it was said no new dental patients were being taken on in Hyndburn or the Ribble Valley and that people were facing 40-mile round trips for treatment.

But councillors said the development would be "un-neighbourly" and have an overbearing impact.

The surgery was set to be "squeezed" in between the Grade II listed St Hubert's Church and a recent housing development.

In a report sent to Hyndburn Council by the Local Government Ombudsman four reasons were given for the refusal of the application.

There were concerns over the design of the project, that there would be inadequate off-street parking and that there would be an unacceptable impact on the surrounding area.

Local councillor Janet Storey (right) said: "I don't think anyone is saying that there's no need for this development but this is not the right place."

The chairman of the planning committee, Coun Lynn Wilson, said: "Dental care is a very emotive issue but we are just considering a planning application for a building and this is not suitable.

"I would desperately like to see a dentists' surgery on this site but the proposed building is far too big for the location. It is not ideal at all."

A spokesman for East Lancashire PCT said that the application had not been made with their co-operation.

He said: "The PCT was interested to learn that a company called ALH Developments has applied to build a new dentists' surgery on St Hubert's Street and welcomes the possibility of an increase in dental resources in the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley area, particularly those providing NHS dentistry.

"Should the company have obtained planning permission, we would have been pleased to talk through their plans."