A NORTHWICH veterinary hospital is looking to expand its facilities in the face of high demand for services.

Willows Veterinary Group has submitted an application to Cheshire West and Chester Council to extend its Chester Road hospital in Hartford.

The plans, if approved, would see the existing single-storey building extended, with the addition of a first floor extension over a rear section of the building.

These extension would allow the hospital to house an MRI scanning facility and provide administration and staff space.

In a planning statement, prepared by Dane Architecture as part of the application, it says the demand for veterinary services has 'never been higher'. 

The statement adds: "The site is already used for veterinary purposes and [the proposal] would allow the hospital to provide modern, up-to-date scanning facilities.

"It would also allow the hospital to make better use of the ground floor space for veterinary operations, while moving its administration to the new first floor.

"Recent lockdown has seen a dramatic increase in the UK pet population.

"Demand for veterinary services has never been higher and demand will continue since common pets such as dogs and cats typically live for 10 to 20 years.

"An extra 3.2 million households acquired a pet in lockdown.

"The site is in a sustainable and accessible location, and the proposed development can be achieved without causing harm to the character or appearance of the area.

"The proposals are entirely consistent with the relevant policies of the development plan. There are no other material considerations which would indicate that planning permission ought to be refused."

Four parking spaces would be lost as a result of the extension, but the statement adds there is already adequate parking provided on site.

There is also currently no provision for electric vehicle charging, however Willows Veterinary Group would consider installing charging points.

To view and comment on the plans, search for reference 23/00875/FUL on the council's online planning portal.

The deadline date for neighbour consultation on the proposals is May 20.