Quantock Vets could relocate to bigger Bridgwater premises

The proposals would see Quantock Veterinary Hospital would move its Bridgwater practice from Quantock Terrace to the Barhams Close site.

Between 2012 and 2018, the property was used to store and sell wooden furniture. From 2018, it was used as a print works for the UK Hydrographic Office.

The last approved use was for a builder’s merchant and distribution centre.

The planning application, submitted by Picea Design on behalf of Vet Partners Ltd, says: “The ground floor will provide a reception, toilets, waiting area, retail area and pharmacy within the front section of the layout.

“This will provide access to dog, cat and exotics consulting rooms and a bereavement room.

“The remaining section of the ground floor provides the medical and surgical facilities, including the three operating theatres, imaging room, dental room, etc.

“This area also includes the kennels area (with door access to exercise area), small animal monitoring room and associated servicing rooms providing for cold storage, utility, laundry etc.

“The first floor will be retained but subdivided for offices, meeting rooms and staff facilities.

“Vehicular access to the development will remain from the existing gateway onto Barhams Close.

“This will access the car park, providing 28 car parking spaces (including two disabled spaces). In addition, eight cycle spaces are provided.”

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The applicant says the move would allow the company (which employs 25 members of staff) to hire around six more employees. 

The application adds: “Quantock Vets is a 24-hour veterinary hospital which provides out of hours support for 14 local practices.

“It is proposed that the relocation and expansion will allow Quantock Vets to support an additional five practices who are waiting to join the out of hours provisions scheme.

“The existing site at Quantock Terrace does not have enough space to allow for any extension as this would inevitably take up space which is required for car parking.”

The application comes after the applicant spent a “number of years” searching for alternative premises, including considering a unit at Bridgwater Trade Park.

“The proposed work will require a substantial investment into a vacant building which should be welcomed by the council,” the applicant says.

“The proposed development will provide an opportunity for an established local business to expand into a more appropriate building within a short distance of its current premises.

“This expansion will increase employment for the business and provide improved facilities which will serve both a wider client base and provision of out of hours service for more local vet practices.

“The relocation of Quantock Vets will therefore have no detrimental impact on the mix of uses in this area.”

Sedgemoor planning round-up

The following planning applications were received by Somerset Council between July 6 and July 12. 

For more details and to comment on applications, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land.

Ashcott

01/23/00017: Retrospective application for the change of use of mobile home to a holiday let at The Lodge, Redlands Farm, 15 Taunton Road, Pedwell. 

Berrow

05/23/00008: Conversion of integral garage to form additional living accommodation and the erection of new detached double garage (revised scheme) at Lanherne, Brent Road. 

05/23/00009: Change of use and conversion of outbuilding to holiday let/self- contained annex, with the retention of front entrance and installation of a new window to the rear (North) of the building. Long Barn, Coast Road, Berrow. 

Brent Knoll

07/23/00016: Part conversion of detached garage to form ancillary gym/ art studio and alteration of roof to the main house at 175 Brent Street, Brent Knoll. 

Bridgwater

08/23/00267: Change of use of building (Use Class B8) to veterinary practice (Use Class E), including associated alterations and parking provisions. Unit 10 &11, Barhams Close.

08/23/00288: Fell 1No. Ash (BRDG008) and 1No. Cherry (BRDG014) at Geen House, Chidgey Close. 

Burnham & Highbridge

11/23/00046: Conversion of detached garage to form self-contained supported living unit, including the erection of side (east) extension at 139 Berrow Road. 

Cannington

13/23/00010: Erection of detached annex to the south of the property at 40 East Street.

13/23/00012: Retrospective application for the erection of single storey extension to the North elevation on site of existing shed (to be demolished). Replacement of timber cladding on the dwelling and boundary fence with the continuation of stone walling, retention of timber log store, also the installation of electric vehicle gates and the formation of hardstanding driveway. The Shire, Blackmore Farm, Blackmore Lane.

Chapel Allerton

15/23/00006: Remove overhanging limb of 1No. Apple (T1) over boundary wall. Fell 1No. Elm (T2) at Orchard House, Front Street. 

Cheddar

17/23/00042: Erection of single storey side (east) extension at 12 Greenhayes. 

Compton Bishop

21/23/00015: Proposed installation of new 25m lattice mast with 6no. antennas over 1 headframe, 2no. 600m diameter transmission link dishes, 6no. equipment cabinets, 2.4m high perimeter fence and ancillary development. Webbington Farm, Barton Road, Webbington. 

Cossington

22/23/00001: Change of use of land to reconfigure Plot 5 to include an additional 4no. mobile homes, 4no. tourers all to be occupied by extended family members. Retention of one utility room including alterations and re-siting of existing dayroom and associated works (part retrospective).

22/23/00007: Crown lift Sycamore (T001) over carriageway by 3-4m above ground level to provide clearance to high sided vehicles. Crown reduce spread of Yew (T002) (TPO Ref G1) by 1-2m all round and crown lift to approx. 2.5m above ground level Crown lift Horse Chestnut (T003) (TPO Ref G1) over carriageway by 3-4m to provide clearance to high sided vehicles. Reduce Cherry (T004) (TPO Ref G1) by 1-2m to provide clearance from adjacent building and reduce lateral spread by approx. 0.5-1m. Crown reduce Apple (T005) all round by 0.5-1m. Formative prune Apple (T006) and remove deadwood. The Bridge School, Middle Road. 

Middlezoy

34/23/00007: Proposed formation of a temporary material stockpile for reservoir embankment construction, erection of fencing and gates, siting of welfare unit, alterations to existing access with parking and turning area. Land to the north of Olivers Road. 

North Petherton

37/23/00068: Erection of two storey rear (north) extension at 3 Lindsey Crescent.

Othery

38/23/00009: Erection of detached garage to the north of the property at 2 High Street. 

Puriton

42/23/00008: Variation of condition 2 of planning permission 42/21/00031 (approval of the details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale, for the erection of a dwelling) to increase roof pitch and install rooflights to the front (east) and rear (west) elevations. Land to the north of Northmead House, North Mead Drove.

Weare

49/23/00009: Erection of single storey side (east) extension at Twin Barns, Brinscombe Lane. 

Wedmore

50/23/00053: Erection of detached storage shed and summer house at The White Cottage, Mutton Lane. 

50/23/00056: Erection of two storey front (north) extension at The Barn, West End.