Pembroke Dock vets' branch to move to new site

A call to move a long-established Pembrokeshire vets’ Pembroke Dock branch to provide greater business security has been approved by county planners.

Fenton Veterinary Practice Ltd applied through agent Pembroke Design Ltd to turn Inspectorate House at West Llanion Park Industrial Estate, Pembroke Dock, into a veterinary practice, replacing its current branch at Kingswood Trading Estate.

Pembroke Dock Town Council backed the application.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “Established in 1950, Fenton Vets have remained proudly independent over the years, driven by a core team of local vets who ensure their service is delivered for the benefit of the Pembrokeshire community.”

It added: “They were the first practice in Pembrokeshire to provide separate, dedicated vets to treat farm animals and pets, both within and outside of opening hours. This ensures that the vet you see is familiar with your situation and able to provide a personal service.

“In this way Fenton Vets are committed to partnering with farmers across the county, as well as supporting pet owners from their practices in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock.”

It went on to say: “The original site was in Haverfordwest town centre when the business was called Peters and Partners. As the business grew it moved to the current Haverfordwest site [at 21 Portfield], where it has continued to grow and evolve, always with а focus on remaining independently owned by vets working in the business.

“Endless expansion does not meet that aim, nor is it realistic within our locality, but reaching а certain size facilitates rota management for clinical staff and stability for a business. That aim was behind the opening of the branch in Pembroke Dock at Unit B, London Road Shopping Mall, Kingswood Trading Estate, about 12 years ago in an established dog grooming business.

“Although the grooming aspect has stopped, the branch has become a well-established part of the business.”

The statement said the main reason for the move was to own the new building, while the larger site could allow future expansion. For now, the branch will be staffed and run like the current one.

External changes will be minor, but the internal layout will be adapted for small-animal care, the statement said.

An officer report recommending approval said the scheme would “secure the continued beneficial use of an existing commercial building within the settlement boundary of Pembroke Dock through its conversion to a veterinary practice”.

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County planners approved the application with conditions.