A FORMER Stourbridge Post Office which has lain empty for around three years is to be converted into a vet’s surgery.

Dudley Council planners approved proposals submitted by Good Care Veterinary Services Ltd to open a new clinic on The Broadway.

In his application, Dr Neil Paveley said the surgery would cater for dogs, cats and small household pets with no animals being kept there overnight.

The unit forms part of a parade of five shops, featuring a takeaway, hair salon, pharmacy and an off licence.

The surgery would feature a reception, consulting room, theatre, dog room, cat room and a staff area including a cycle store and a shower area.

A total of five staff would be employed at the site, which would be open from 8am to 7pm weekdays and 8am to 1.30pm on Saturdays.

Dr Paveley said: “The premises form part of a parade of shops and are currently vacant.

“Agents, Sellers Chartered Surveyors, have indicated that the premises have been vacant for approximately three years, which must have had a negative impact on the immediate area and the other adjoining businesses in the shopping parade.

“Five people will be initially employed at the site – two veterinary surgeons

and three veterinary nurses – although not all staff will necessarily be

working on site at any one time.

“It will be a small animal practice, ie. cats, dogs and small family pets and it will not be our general policy to keep animals in overnight and we intend to use VetsNow, Oldbury for our out of hours emergency cover – overnight, weekends (after 1pm Saturday) and bank holidays.”

Dr Paveley said that while there was no allocated parking for the site, there were spaces outside the parade that are used by customers at all the businesses.

A report from planners confirmed the the Post Office had been closed for around three years and granted permission for the development.

It added: “There is no objection to the principle of a change of use which would not impact the vitality or viability of this parade in Stourbridge or have any additional negative affects to Stourbridge town centre.”