Wrexham-based vet unveils expansion and recruitment plans

A veterinary practice is looking to expand its premises and create new jobs according to plans submitted to Wrexham Council.

The not-for-profit Animal Trust Vets CIC, based on the edge of the city centre at Caia Road near Eagles Meadow is seeking to extend the existing veterinary practice.

The practice, which caters primarily for dogs, cats, rabbits and some other small mammals, has submitted an application to the council’s planning department.

A planning statement submitted with the application says: “The company vision is to develop a veterinary practice focused on providing the highest standards of veterinary care, and to make this affordable, so that as many animals as possible could access this standard.

“The extended practice will continue to open seven days per week, with the core opening hours being 8.30am to 6.30pm on each day, as existing.

“In accordance with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons code of conduct, an out of hours service will continue to be offered. All consultations at the practice will continue to be undertaken by appointment, with all clients having registered their pet with the practice beforehand.”

According to the plans, the proposed extension would be delivered within part of the existing car park and would feature a new reception, waiting room and consultation rooms.

It would deliver “a spacious” reception and waiting room, with multiple windows positioned in its three external elevations in order to maximise the amount of natural light entering the building and enhance the quality of the internal environment.

The extension would also have a flat roof to enable the installation of a solar panel array, which will generate electricity to support the function of the practice.

It could also create new jobs, doubling the current staff.

The statement adds: “The practice currently employs 17 members of staff in a range of roles from vets, nurses and support staff.

“The proposed extension is expected to create a further 16 job opportunities across all roles. Staff will work in shifts and, therefore, not all will be on site at any single time.”

As part of the current car park would be needed for the extension, the plans feature a row of 16 car parking spaces which would be created on part of a grassed area to the north of the building. Access to the site would remain as it does currently.

The application also includes a traffic survey to address any impact the expansion could have on the highway.

This states: “It is clear that the extended veterinary practice will not generate ‘significant’ amounts of vehicle movement, and will not result in a ‘severe’ highway impact.

“The actual highway impact is highly likely to be neutral, with the additional traffic generated by the proposed extension having a negligible impact upon the local highway network. The proposed parking provision directly satisfies the Council’s Parking Standards.

“Accordingly, a positive and constructive approach should be adopted towards the proposal in highway and accessibility terms.”

A decision will be made by Wrexham Council planners at a future date.

By Rory Sheehan – BBC Local Democracy Reporter