A PLANNING application for the construction of a new vets practice and construction of three four-bed detached houses at Inns Park, High Street, Camelford, was considered by Camelford Town Council at its meeting on November 15, writes Suzanne Cleave.

The application was submitted by Ian Loraine, manager of Penbode Vets, which currently operates from the site.

At a previous meeting, representatives from Penbode and the architect, Ken Carroll, gave a presentation to the council on the plans.

Adrian Oliver, senior partner at Penbode, said the company employs 35 vets at its branches in Holsworthy, Bude, Bradworthy and Camelford. In 2004, Penbode bought the premises at Market Place, Camelford, and another veterinary practice was also run by Jonathon Holt at Inns Park, on the way to Valley Truckle.

When Mr Holt decided to retire, Penbode initially ended up with two practices running in the town, but after changing Market Place back to residential, Penbode has been operating solely at Inns Park, which Mr Oliver described as ‘a big house, very draughty’.

He added: “We’re keen to really grow. We’re keen that Camelford is a growing town and we want to be part of that. You don’t want to be driving 20/30 miles to a vet.”

Architect, Mr Carroll said they had spent nearly a year coming up with options at the site and came up with the new vets and a residential side of three good-sized dwellings.

At last week’s town council meeting, Cllr Andy Shaw, considering the application, cited over-development and said: “Having been on site I think three [dwellings] is too many. I personally feel there’s not enough space around these buildings for the amount of occupants who could be on the scene. There could be nine cars. It’s an extremely busy vets which will expand. The access point is onto the A39. I think two houses with reasonable recreational ground will be more beneficial to the site.”

Cllr Shaw also strongly recommended the planting of purpose trees to protect the front of the buildings and to absorb toxins.

Mayor, Rob Rotchell, said the council agrees with the redevelopment of the site in principle, and are supportive of a new vets practice.

Cllr Shaw added: “It needs a new practice. I’m also concerned about the business side of the car parking. I think it’s overdevelopment of the site with the three developments. I would be more comfortable with two dwellings.”

Cllr Shaw’s proposal that there was overdevelopment of the site was seconded by Cllr Kirsty Ferguson and all councillors voted in favour.