A DENTIST surgery is going to replace a hairdressers in Stokenchurch, following its closure.

Manu Pillai from Balaji Dental Limited was given planning permission by Wycombe District Council for a change of use from a hairdressers at Ipsden House in Oxford Road to a dental surgery.

The Hair Gallery closed its doors last Tuesday.

The planning decision made by delegated powers at WDC said: "There are a number of retail premises in the village providing a range of services from small supermarkets/ general stores, to a bakery, other hairdressers, specialist retailers (i.e. pharmacist, a stove shop), a bank and takeaways. Consent has also recently been granted for a supermarket on a site on the other site on the other side of the common. On this basis the retention of this unit in retail use cannot be justified under policy S6."

It also said the proposal is unlikely to have an impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties.

Mr Pillai said they were considering putting a dental surgery at the medical centre, when the hairdressers got in touch and said the premises was going to be empty soon.

He said: "We asked the parish council, 'what do you think of the possible opening of a dental surgery in the village?' They were positive about the idea."