The plans for six surgery rooms at a former shop in Stable Yard have been submitted by Edward Parsley Associates Ltd on behalf of ToothBooth LLP, which already provides dental services in Epping and Egham.

ToothBooth runs several NHS practices in the Home Counties, opening its Epping surgery last February.

On Wedneday, the council is expected to make a decision on the application.

This is the second planning application for an NHS dental surgery in the town – in October the council approved a scheme for a dental surgery providing two full-time dentists for 4,500 patients, but this did not proceed.

NHS Suffolk is now urging people to sign up for NHS dentistry after ploughing £4 million into extra dentists.

As well as a surgery for Needham, it has provided funds to expand a Stowmarket town centre dentist by 2,200 more patients.

A spokesman said there were vacancies at many dentists across Suffolk and health bosses were keen for people to sign up.

The Needham plans involve converting the former shop in Quinton Court to provide a reception and waiting area, six surgeries, an x-ray room, staff room, disinfectant room and toilets, including disabled facilities.

A report in the planning submission says the practice would seek to employ local staff and would install a disabled ramp at the rear to provide access to the building.

Mid Suffolk district councillor Wendy Marchant, who represents Needham Market and Badley, said: "We do need dental surgeries, so this is good news."