High Wycombe could soon be home to a specialist orthopaedic veterinary practice if a planning application is given the go-ahead.

Plans to transform a warehouse on Halifax Road in Cressex Business Park into a vet surgery that will give “first class orthopaedic work” to pets have been submitted to Wycombe District Council.

If given the green light, the applicant predicts the majority of animals will come as referrals from other vet centres in the area and from wider afield.

The centre will provide CT, X-Ray and MRI scanning, four consultant rooms and aims to provide around 35 “complex” operations per month with two receptionists, five veterinary nurses and between two and five vet surgeons.  

Pet owners whose animals need orthopaedic surgery currently have to travel to Potters Bar, Luton, Guildford or Solihull to have the treatment.

A planning statement made by MSC Planning Consultants Ltd on behalf of the applicant, said: “It is considered that this is an opportunity to provide a centre of excellence for orthopaedic surgery in High Wycombe to serve the surrounding area and to reduce the need of pets and owners requiring specialist surgery to travel long distances. Not ideal for patient or owner alike.”

However, a report from Bucks County Council’s highways development management officer says the application should be refused because “adequate provision” for parking spaces has not been provided, meaning cars would likely have to park on the street – “to the detriment of public and highway safety.”

Currently, five parking spaces have been allocated for patients, with ten for staff. 

Wycombe District Council have until April 7 to make a decision on the plans.