A Troon veterinary practice plans to make a temporary move while it develops "modern cutting edge facilities" at its Portland Street premises.

Collier and Brock Vets is set to undergo a major refurbishment later this year and practice bosses want to move into vacant premises at Templehill while the work is carried out.

In an application to South Ayrshire Council for change of use, a representative of Collier and Brock states: “The current premises is scheduled for a major refurbishment later this year which will provide up to date modern cutting edge facilities that the practice requires.

“Given their client base and current work load it is necessary for them to relocate somewhere in the near vicinity.

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“An opportunity has arisen where the property at 20-22 Templehill Troon is currently vacant and available.

“The property is within easy walking distance from the current veterinary practice and is of sufficient size to make it viable in terms of providing a temporary veterinary practice to ensure that pet care for the local community is maintained.

“Should planning permission be granted for the change of use, it is our client's intention to relocate their current veterinary practice to the existing retail unit at 20-22 Templehill Troon for the duration of the refurbishment to their current veterinary practice.

“It is estimated that the refurbishment to their current practice will take about 12 months from the date the work commences.

"However, there will be a lead in period and in all probability there will be a period required to decant back into the refurbished veterinary practice on Portland Street.

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“We would estimate that the total period that the change of use will be in effect will be two years.”

The Templehill premises would revert back to retail use after then.

The proposed change of use would provide the continuity required for local people to still take their pets to the same veterinary practice that they are accustomed to as it is within easy walking distance from the current location.

The property is large enough to provide the space required for a veterinary practice to operate with the required degree of professionalism and comfort that their clients would expect.

No decision has been made on the application, which was submitted this week.