New vet clinic set to open in Fife after plans for business get green light
A veterinary clinic is set to open in a Fife village after a successful planning application.
Fife Council has granted permission for the erection of the new facility – and the demolition of existing garages and a workshop – at the Loch Garage site in Ceres.
A report from planners explained the land was previously occupied by a long-established vehicles sales and repair business.
The buildings are now in a poor state of repair with evidence of deterioration, water ingress, cracking and general disrepair.
In their place, a single-storey veterinary practice is planned which will include a reception and waiting area, consultation rooms, treatment and preparation areas, operating facilities, staff accommodation, pharmacy and laboratory space together with associated storage and utility areas.
There will also be provision is made for the temporary accommodation and treatment of animals attending the practice, including kennel and cattery facilities.
The planning report continued: “No routine out of hours veterinary service is proposed from the site, with emergency and out of hours services being provided by another veterinary practice.
“The applicant has advised that there is no intention to routinely hospitalise animals overnight and that overnight care would only occur in exceptional circumstances where an animal could not reasonably be moved. Such occurrences are expected to be infrequent.”
Approving the application, planners added: “The proposed development would redevelop a vacant and deteriorating brownfield site within the settlement boundary of Ceres through the demolition of the existing garage buildings and the erection of a purpose built veterinary practice with associated parking, landscaping and drainage infrastructure.
“The proposal would provide a valuable veterinary healthcare facility serving Ceres and the wider rural area whilst securing the beneficial reuse of a long established commercial site.
“Having regard to the scale, design and siting of the development, it is considered that the proposal would preserve the setting of the adjacent Category B Listed Buildings and the character and appearance of the nearby Conservation Area.
“Furthermore, subject to the recommended conditions, the development would not result in unacceptable impacts on residential amenity, road safety, flood risk, biodiversity, trees or land quality.