WESTBROOK could see the expansion of its veterinary centre, should a planning application be deemed suitable.

A proposal is now under consideration by planning bosses at Warrington Borough Council regarding the expansion of Westbrook Vets.

As it stands, the centre is situated next to a now-vacant property at Westbrook Shopping Centre - the application seeks to put the vacant space to good use by expanding the current veterinary facilities.

According to the planning proposals, the vacant premises formerly housed a youth centre.

Should the planning application be approved by officers at Warrington Borough Council, the veterinary team will expand from three full-time members of staff to six full-time members.

Proposed opening times would be as follows:

  • Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm
  • Saturday: 9am-5pm
  • Sunday: 10am-4pm

As per the documents available on the council's online planning portal: "The proposal would present an ideal opportunity to expand the services of the existing veterinary surgery to serve the surrounding residential area & with excellent public transport links.

"There is a shortfall of veterinary practices willing to accept new clients which has become a major issue in this area.

"This surgery expansion would help alleviate this problem & ensure animals are able to receive appropriate care when they need it."

In terms of the potential impact that new developments at the site may have, the application reads: "There is already adequate parking provision surrounding the parade & would be no worse than the current retail use of the building.

"There are electric vehicle charging and bike parking facilities.

"The site is located very close to public transport serving parade."

According to the application, the extra jobs provided would be aimed toward local people, as well as trainees, saying: "Westbrook Veterinary Centre are committed to providing quality veterinary care at an affordable price and would be making a long-term investment into the proposed facility, by investing several hundred thousand pounds.

"They intend to employ local people as it improves their community identity, and also reduces the need for long vehicle commutes, which will help to reduce local air pollution.

"This would also include local builders and suppliers. The applicants would invest in training young people within the workplace using nurse and vet training schemes.

The planning application is currently under consideration by Warrington Borough Council's planning officers, with a decision due by Wednesday, July 5.