The decision on an application to change the use of a Grade II listed building in Richmond has been deferred.

The landlord of Smile Studios at 5 Hill Street applied to change the use of the building from a dental surgery(D1) to a retail unit (A1).

At a planning committee on Wednesday evening (February 21), three people spoke against the application on the grounds of preserving the building and losing a community asset, described as a “great practice” which is “fantastically convenient”. There were no speakers in support of the move.

Residents have previously voiced concerns about changes to the building, with one saying it would be an “act of vandalism” to alter it.

Another 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”.

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”.

The planning officer at the meeting said because 5 Hill Street was a Grade II listed building, nothing significant could be done to it without putting in a further planning application, but councillors had issue with the guidelines on heritage statements.

Councillor Martin Elengorn said he wanted to be clearer on whether there were new requirements with regard to heritage statements and asked for the case to be deferred, which was agreed by the committee.

The application has nearly 100 objections and one comment of support. However, the planning officer has recommended approval, stating a shop is more “suitable” for the area.

The decision on the application will be made at a later date, yet to be confirmed.