RSPCA submits plans to rebuild town's vets surgery

The RSPCA says it hopes by rebuilding the clinic it will be able to help many more people in hardship find affordable pet care in Great Yarmouth

A charity has submitted a £1m plan to rebuild its veterinary surgery that helps pet owners on low incomes.

The East Norfolk branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) said the cost of living crisis means its services are under more demand.

According to documents submitted to Great Yarmouth Borough Council, it has applied to demolish the main surgery block and outbuildings, and replace them with a two-storey unit.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "The clinic is vital to the local area and with the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis facing so many people, we hope that a new clinic will be able to offer more affordable treatments and help even more pet owners in our area."

The plan has been revised to reduce the overall size and shape of the building, as shown here, leading to the loss of a first-floor storage area

The clinic has been operating at Tar Works Road since the early 1950s, and has helped thousands of pets and owners on low incomes access veterinary care.

It provides limited vet care to people within the East Norfolk area who are on means tested benefits, offering check ups, vaccinations, blood tests, basic scans and other minor procedures.

It is currently open two days per week.

Where the current block is single storey with a flat roof, the new build consists of a reception room, consultations rooms and separate kennel areas for cats and dogs on the ground floor.

A staff room, kitchen and office would be located on the first floor.

The charity is hoping to find alternative premises to continue service while the site is redeveloped.

The RSPCA said the East Norfolk branch is "part of the RSPCA family" but is funded independently and relies on public support.

The clinic began in this shed in 1951 before it was replaced by the current building which opened a decade later

A spokesperson for RSPCA East Norfolk Branch said: "Our clinic has been at Tar Works Road for over 74 years - and over the years we have helped thousands of pets whose owners have needed help with reduced cost veterinary care.

"We currently employ one vet for two days a week and when possible a locum for an additional day and we offer check-ups, vaccinations, bloods and basic scans, and other small procedures.

"However we have now outgrown the clinic and need a new building with all the latest state-of-the-art equipment which would enable us to help more pets. Our long term goal would be to also have a surgery room where we could offer small dental procedures and neutering.

"We are seeking support from the public to make this happen."

Great Yarmouth Borough Council's development control committee will make a decision later in the year.

The new facility would have more space to keep cats and dogs separate and have better facilities for staff and volunteers