A planning application which could see a well-liked dentist out on its ear is due to be decided on tomorrow.

The application, regarding Smile Studios at 5 Hill Street in Richmond, proposes to change the use of the building to an unknown “retail” unit. It has 95 objections and just one comment of support.

As well as this, the application includes changes to the building which one resident said would be “an act of vandalism”.

However, despite the submitted proposals, the developer said “he wouldn’t dream of touching the building” and said people must not have read the application property.

The application states the internal layout would be altered, including wall removal and widening of doorways.

It also states “some external work would be undertaken to remove a mid-1980s, modernist ‘link’” attached to the back door, but that no changes are proposed to the front façade “other than the introduction of some low-level external lighting”.

Locals have objected mainly to preserve the building, which is Grade II listed, and to save a service valued in the community which has “established itself as one of the leading dental surgeries in the area”.

One resident said the proposals would be a “detrimental” to the building, while others noted shops in the area continue to close down so another one would have “no community value”.

Another noted said the building was “one of the few left in Richmond with character” and that changing it would “cause massive disruption” and be a “massive loss” to the community.

There is one comment of support on the application which reads: “A shop would be more fitting in the area.

“The signage for Smile Studios takes away the natural beauty of the building. Change is a good thing.”

The decision will be made tomorrow at a planning committee meeting starting at 7pm.

The recommendation from planning officers is to approve the application.