Planning approval for Moy Equestrian Centre veterinary clinic and animal rehabilitation facility
ABC Planning officers have approved a proposed change of use from an ancillary outbuilding to a veterinary clinic and animal rehabilitation centre at 12a Derrycaw Road, near Charlemont.
The planning application was lodged by MOR Architects, Dunamore Road, Cookstown, on behalf of Moy Equestrian Centre, a facility based at the above address.
Planning officers outlined the applicant’s plans as follows: “The existing building contains stables and storage areas.
“As per the proposed floor plans, the ground floor includes a reception and waiting area, five holding pens/stables, two consultation rooms, a medicine store, an office, a kitchen, WC/shower room, and an operating theatre/treatment room.
“The first-floor plan includes two offices, a feed room, a riding gear room, a tack room, a store and a cloakroom. There remains a void area above the ground floor, albeit slightly smaller, as the first-floor area is proposed to be increased in size to provide a first-floor office space.
“In this regard, the only change proposed to the first-floor area is the provision of the aforementioned office space, which is proposed to be accessed via a stairwell from the proposed reception/waiting area. External alterations are proposed to the existing outbuilding.
“As per the proposed site layout plan, a car parking area is proposed in the site’s north-western section, adjacent to an existing building containing stables.
“In support of the application, the applicant’s agent submitted a Business Plan, which includes the following.
“The Moy Equine Veterinary & Rehabilitation Centre will provide a comprehensive range of veterinary services, specialising in the treatment and rehabilitation of horses.
“Located within the established Moy Equestrian Centre, the clinic will utilise existing infrastructure, including stables and exercise arenas, for rehabilitation and exercise.
“The proposed facility will focus on providing veterinary care, rehabilitation services, and a safe environment for equine recovery.
“Moy Equine Veterinary & Rehabilitation Centre will serve equine owners, breeders, trainers, and competitors who require specialist care and rehabilitation services for their horses.
“The centre will cater to both local clients and those from surrounding rural areas who require specialised veterinary services for their horses. The space available allows for rehabilitation services that urban locations cannot accommodate.
“Officers are of the opinion that the proposed veterinary clinic and rehabilitation centre which, as per the applicant’s Business Plan, will focus on the treatment of horses, is compatible with the site’s established land use.
“In order to adequately protect the residential amenity of the neighbouring third-party dwelling, the use of the building should cease at 10pm.
“Given the potential for veterinary emergencies, officers are of the opinion that it would be reasonable to allow the premises to operate each day, including weekends and public holidays.
“There are five holding pens shown on the plans, so the maximum number of animals which could be accommodated on site would be five.”