Locals object to plans to build vet surgery in Orkney over 'unsuitable' location

An Orkney vet’s plans to build a new surgery on the outskirts of Kirkwall are proving to be controversial, attracting a slew of objections.

The proposals from Northvet are for a new building on a patch of land between the Hatston Brae section of the A965 Kirkwall to Stromness Road and the Grainbank residential area.

The proposed building would be single-storey with three gabled roofs.

Permission is also being sought to construct a car park for visitors and staff, the installation of heat pumps and access to the site and landscaping.

These plans are now waiting for a decision from the local council’s planning department.

However, the plans have proved controversial. They have drawn objections for 27 addresses, most of which are from neighbours to the proposed site.

Some letters of support have also been submitted.

Why does Northvet want to build a new surgery?

A supporting document attached to the planning document says the company has seen “significant growth over the past 10 to 15 years”.

As such, there has been an increase in customer footfall. This has meant staff numbers have grown, with 32 either full-time or part-time employees.

As such, their current Kirkwall office, at 33 Junction Road, is “no longer fit for purpose and cannot adequately support the scale and nature of their operations”, the design brief states.

One of the “significant challenges” the firm is facing is the amount of parking at the existing surgery.

The company estimates it needs around 20 spaces for customers. The current site only has six, with no designated staff parking.

A large contributor to the company’s growth has been a boost in demand for services for pets.

This has been driven by “television programmes” and has led to “higher expectations from clients in terms of veterinary expertise and the range of services provided”.

As such, more space is needed to meet the demand.

Objectors say proposed site for new Northvet surgery is unsuitable

Various reasons have been given by objectors opposing the plans.

The most common worries are the site’s proximity to a residential area, amid arguments that the location is not suitable for a commercial business.

Instead, they say, the plans should be moved to the other side of the A965, to the Hatston industrial estate.

Many said the narrow road and access at Grainbank, much of which has no pavement, already has problems and would struggle to accommodate the needs of the surgery.

One objector said the area’s roads are “barely fit for purpose already”.

Another said they are so narrow that cars have to pass each other with “extreme caution”.

Supporters praise investment in local area by company

Another common objection was that building on the site contravenes the council’s local development plan.

Some also claim there are records that state the site would not be built on.

Other less common points of objection include the effect on residents’ views, the size of the proposed building, increased pressure on drainage, and increased noise.

Five letters of support have also been attached to the plan.

These state that the traffic outside the current office is a “constant flow”, making it “difficult to access” and “quite dangerous”.

They also praised the company for making the investment in the local area.

Northvet respects ‘public’s right to object’ as proposls go through planning system

Vet and director with Northvet Alan Wilson said this week that the company “totally respects the public’s right to object through the planning system”.

He said: “We know the plans aren’t a done deal. We’re not going to be falling out with anyone over them.

“We’re now in the process of responding to what objectors have said.

“The plans are going through the planning system and we have to wait and see what the outcome of that is.”

Orkney Islands Council said if the plans are recommended for approval, they will be reported to the planning committee for determination.

However, they are still at an early stage with no recommendation having been made.

Amendment or withdrawal remain options for the applicant.