Plans for a much needed new dentist's surgery near Launceston are one step closer to reality after planning permission was granted for the construction of a new build dental practice at Lawhitton.

The application, made by Mr Simon Wakeham, is set to bring a new dentists surgery to a location on land north west of Tiny Tots Ltd, Sheers Barton, Lawhitton, Launceston.

In documents sent as part of the planning approval, the applicants have confirmed that the new building is set to house both NHS and private dentistry services, saying: "To give our town of Launceston a friendly and welcoming yet sustainable and eco-friendly dental practice that provides NHS and private dentistry with the opportunity for all people to look after their oral health while taking away the stigma of a dental practice of being a scary and stressful experience."

The news of a new dentists surgery was welcomed by a delighted Scott Mann MP, who said he was working in Parliament on the NHS dentistry contract, which has been cited as one of the main reasons for the NHS dentistry crisis.

The North Cornwall MP told the Post: “I am very supportive of wider dentistry provision in North Cornwall, and this sits alongside the work I am doing in Parliament on the NHS dentistry contract.”