Councillors voiced concerns about plans for a new veterinary surgery in the town centre at a meeting of Oswestry Town Council’s development and planning committee on Monday.

Plans were submitted by Robert Tulloch for the change of use of the property at 3 Church Street to be used as a veterinary surgery.

Town councillor Sandy Best raised concerns of residents she had spoken to about the location of the surgery.

She said many people have contacted her stating the surgery may not be the most suitable location for a veterinary practice.

And Cllr Best was also concerned the veterinary surgery had already been advertised as opening in October, despite planning permission not yet being granted.

She said: “I have had several issues brought to me.

“One of these is whether it is safe with the building being where it is having drugs held on the premises.

“People were voicing concerns about animals who were sick being brought across the road in the public domain.

“Businesses also have concerns about parking in the area.

“My concern here is one which you possibly haven’t considered – because there has already been a lot of advertising about the business opening, plus work having already started to make changes in the premises.

“Added to that there is a large banner outside stating the business will open in October.

“This all seems to predispose itself to permission that has already been granted, rather than going through the due process.”

Cllr Best’s comments were echoed by cllr Cherrington, who was also concerned about how euthanised animals would be taken from the building.

He said: “I am not opposed to a vets being in the town, I am opposed to the location it is being put.

“The main concern for me is how is any of this work being commenced prior to any application being agreed.

“How will sick animals be taken to and from the building, when you’re looking at the tight area at the front of the building.

“And how will those animals who have been euthanised be removed from the premises? The working hours are 9am until 5pm, so when will that take place? How will they dispose of drugs including methadone which come under the hazardous group.”

Cllr Rebecca Evans added that she would be happy to see an empty building in the town centre filled with a viable business, and with the plans once parking issues were resolved.

Councillors voted in favour that comments made regarding the plans were passed on to Shropshire Council for consideration.