A VET surgery in Bicester wants to expand to cope with demand and improve its services and staff facilities.

Jason Williams, who directs Bicester Vets, wants to redevelop his existing veterinary practice in Victoria Road and has submitted an application to Cherwell District Council, the planning authority.

The proposals include the erection of a double-storey extension at ground level to the side of the building and the construction of a new CT facility in the external courtyard to the rear of the practice.

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A design and access statement prepared by ACD Projects on behalf of the practice said: “These proposals include upgrading staff facilities to in turn improve staff morale and retention, therefore offering a better work output and service to the community.

“In order for Bicester Vets to continue to offer their community the best services for their pets, the vets are in need of more space and better facilities.

“The extension to the practice and construction of the ancillary building will allow the vets to cope with the current and future demand and improve facilities for staff, clients and patients.

“The proposed development will be used for veterinary purposes to provide an exceptional level of care for sick animals, focusing on the health, welfare and comfort of the animals and clients, while creating a suitable environment for day and night staff.

“Having a CT scanner will allow the practice to improve and offer greater services to the local community, preventing patients from having to be referred elsewhere for the service.

“Bicester Vets have always been very considerate to residential neighbours and there have been no issues or causes for complaint.

“This proposed extension will not affect this relationship and Bicester Vets will continue to be respectful of their neighbours and surroundings.”

The extension would expand the dog ward and gain an extra theatre for orthopaedics as the practice currently has only one theatre and insufficient space in the existing dog and cat wards to cope with demand.

The application said that completing these works would mean that the practice could carry out more surgeries and provide “a better and more efficient service to their clients.”

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The independent veterinary practice, which employs 44 people, including 14 vets, has been operating out of the existing building since 1981 and the business was taken over by the current owners in 2000.

It was founded by William John Carless, a graduate from the Royal Veterinary College, in 1921 and over a period of 80 years, it has changed from a farm-based practice to a specialised business.

The district council is expected to make a decision by December 23.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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