A round-the-clock animal hospital is set to open in part of a listed building dating back to 1780 in the centre of Ramsbottom.
Medivet has been granted planning permission to use the rear section of the former Grants Arms on Market Place as a veterinary practice.
Medivet said they wished to transfer their operation from their smaller premises on Central Street to use the currently empty part of the former pub.
The application, said: “Medivet is a group of veterinary 24 hour hospitals with approximately 400 locations across the country.
“With an increasing number of pets in the UK, in part due to COVID-19 lockdown, Medivet are finding many of their practices are turning away new clients and they are reviewing all premises for ongoing suitability and if there are local options for providing a more sustainable service.
“Medivet currently operate a small vets in Ramsbottom but this property is small and no longer fit for meeting the needs of Ramsbottom pet owners with the company regularly turning down new customers.
“This new property at the Grant Arms, provides an opportunity to keep the vets within Ramsbottom town centre and continue to support the needs of the existing residents while also opening up the practice to new pet owners.
“The new property proposed at the former Grants Arms will allow for shorter waiting times and an increase in service offered within Ramsbottom.”
Medivet now have permission to convert the interior into four consulting rooms, a room used for x-rays, ultrasounds and dental work, a small theatre, a kennels area with space for two large and six small dogs, another area for eight cats, external space for exercising animals as well as office space, a laboratory area, staff shower room and toilet and three car parking spaces.
The property is Grade II listed and is located within the Ramsbottom conservation area.
The rear element of the building is thought to be from the 18th century.
Medivet said the proposed works would have no significant impact upon the heritage of the building.
In 2018, financial firm IFA were given permission for the
partial conversion of the front part of the Grants Arms building to use for financial services.
Bury Council planning officers concluded that the change of use would not affect the heritage value of the building.
They said: “The buildings heritage significance is derived from its architectural aesthetic in its plain classical form, its group value within the conservation area and its historical interest with regard to the Grant brothers.
“The front part of the building has already been adapted internally into an office use as has the rear part in regard to its alterations.
“The change of use is acceptable as it would have no further impact on and would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“The proposed railing at the rear would be a positive feature replacing the timber panel fence.”
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