Plans have been approved to convert part of a former tyre fitting garage into a new veterinary clinic in Newtown.

Powys County Council has given the green light for the family-run Kerry Vale Vets Limited to transform unit 17 on the Dyffryn Industrial Estate after vet Jon Steele applied to change its use in April.

The property was previously used by Severn Fast Fit Tyres before it permanently closed in 2020 after 21 years in business.

The Kerry-based veterinary business wants to develop the site to provide a "high level of care for sick animals, focusing on the health, welfare and comfort of the animals and clients".

Mr Steele said the business will continue to operate the farm and equine animal practice as normal from Moat Farm on the outskirts of Kerry.

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"Since starting up two years ago, we have been on the look out for a suitable base to be able to provide comprehensive veterinary care to everyone within our community," the local vet said in May.

"We hope to be opening a dedicated companion animal clinic for cats and dogs in the (hopefully) near future, which will also act as a base for us to be able to take on staff and clients, allowing our small family business to grow."

Severn Fast Fit Tyres closed in 2020.Severn Fast Fit Tyres closed in 2020. (Image: Google Street View) In a planning application submitted by McCartneys on behalf of Mr Steele said: "Kerry Vale Vets are seeking a new permanent location in Newtown which will allow them to sustainably grow and meet the ever-demanding needs of the area.

"The development will give the practice the opportunity to employee more local people, and provide a more comprehensive service, which will benefit existing, but also attract new clients."

Alterations include replacing the industrial doors with a brick frontage and windows, but the existing car parking at the front and back of the unit will remain in place for customers and staff.

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In his decision report, planning officer Luke Woosnam said the practice would provide high quality jobs, and would be better placed on an industrial estate, giving Llandrindod Wells' Ddole Road Veterinary Clinic as an example.

"In terms of out of hours opening, customers more likely to be in vehicles than on foot and the type of space required, it is considered a use that would be better dealt with on an industrial estate than within a town centre or residential area," Mr Woosnam explained before granting conditional consent for the development to go ahead.

The Powys Contaminated Land Team objected to the plan "due to the absence of appropriate supporting information" which Mr Woosnam responded by saying that Powys County Council “does not consider to be a reasonable requirement given that the building is not extended, and no ground works are being undertaken".