The new surgery, in Priory Road, would include a sedum roof – a type of low-growing plant which acts as a natural sponge and insulator.

"The roof would also attract wildlife and act as a natural sponge with less water draining off into the sewers," said a report by the conservation areas advisory panel which discussed the plan before a formal application is lodged.

The site had outline planning permission for a dwelling and an informal application for four flats was "likely" to have been refused, members of the panel were told.

The new surgery, which would be single-storey, would include facilities for staff parking while a new car park proposed for the old fire station site opposite would be suitable for patients, said the report.

"The roads around the site were subject to double-yellow lines with few laybys which would discourage on-street parking," it added.

Members of the panel were also told the building would use larch cladding alongside rendered walls to be in keeping with the area.

The design had been prepared by Jeremy Stacy Architects, of Beachamwell, who also designed the new community centre in Swaffham. No-one at the company would comment on the Downham dentist surgery plans.

The report said the new surgery would offer "much-needed additional dental facilities."

The conservation panel supported the development with reservations about the mono-pitched roof and rendered walls, but acknowledged solutions would be available to resolve the concerns.