A DENTIST who set up a surgery in his garage without planning permission has prompted complaints from neighbours.

The surgery, based in Tennison Avenue, Borehamwood, was investigated by Hertsmere Borough Council, after complaints from residents the garage of a bungalow had become a surgery and a temporary sign had been erected advertising an NHS service.

Council officers visited the site, which was a fully fitted dental surgery, complete with dentist chair, lights and equipment.

A planning contravention notice was served on the owner on September 24 last year.

The notice ordered the owner to confirm planning permission, how many people visited the surgery and how appointments were managed.

The owner replied to say it was restricted dental work and did not need planning permission.

The owner also said the dental practice received one or two visitors per week and was open between 6pm and 8pm.

A Tennison Avenue resident, who has complained to the council, but does not want to be named, said: “There is a compressor and generator, which makes a great amount of noise.

“I see patients waiting outside to go in and it’s very annoying as this is a quiet street.

“People park on the road taking up space.”

Another resident said: “There are people constantly walking past his house and going to all the wrong houses trying to find his.

“People have often knocked on my door asking, ‘Is this the dentist?’ I come back from work and I don’t really need people disturbing me like this.

“You can hear the noise the compressor makes but what is important is there are a lot of elderly residents in this road who do not want to be disturbed late in the evening and they often are by people knocking on their doors.”

At a council meeting of Elstree and Borehamwood Planning Committee on July 30 a recommendation was made to take enforcement action.

Under section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 the council required the removal of the dental surgery equipment within three months the notice takes effect.

The owner of the surgery was not available for comment.