Sunderland vets unveils scheme for major overhaul as demand skyrockets
Plans for new and improved facilities at a Sunderland veterinary centre have been submitted to council development bosses.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for Roker Park Veterinary Centre in Roker Park Road.
New plans submitted to council planning bosses are seeking permission to construct a “proposed link” to join an outbuilding at the site to the existing veterinary practice, along with a new roof for the outbuilding.
Submitted planning documents state the practice “currently has three consultation rooms, one small prep and one theatre” and that “the dog ward and x-ray are located in the outbuilding, which is not ideal or practical for the veterinary team as they have to take animals out of the back of the practice, across the short external opening, and into the outbuilding”.
Supporting documents show how the veterinary practice would be reconfigured, subject to the redevelopment plan being approved, and set out the reasons for the proposals.
A design and access statement from the applicant states “demand has grown significantly” in recent years and that the practice is in “need of an additional consultation room to help them support the local community”.
It was also noted that a “larger and better organised prep area would also allow them more space to carry out minor treatments” and that the “proposed internal redevelopment and linked outbuilding will also create a more efficient flow for the practice”.
Planning documents from the applicant state that “other than the link [building]”, there is “no increase in scale” of the building and that the proposed development will not change the practice’s current opening hours and that “staffing numbers at the practice will remain unchanged”.
The design and access statement adds: “Roker Park Veterinary Centre is an independent veterinary practice that has been under its current ownership for five years, having operated from its existing premises for over 40 years.
“Since first opening its doors to the public, the practice has consistently provided high-quality care for pets within the local community and the wider surrounding areas.
“At present the practice offers three consultation rooms and a small prep area [and] the outbuilding is used for x-ray and kennels.
“This means that staff are having to bring animals out of the back of the practice, across the short external opening, and into the outbuilding. This is not practical or efficient.
“The proposal therefore includes linking the outbuilding to the existing practice.
“The proposals will also redevelop the internal flow of the practice, creating a new additional consultation room and larger prep area, to allow the practice to cope with current demand, whilst also improving facilities for staff, clients, and patients.”
A decision on the planning application is expected later this year following a council consultation exercise.
For more information on the plan, or to track its progress, visit Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 26/00569/FUL