One of Pembrokeshire's longest-established veterinary practices is seeking planning permission to move its Pembroke Dock branch to new premises, with the aim of securing the long-term stability of the service for local pet owners and farmers.
Fenton Veterinary Practice Ltd, through its agent Pembroke Design Ltd, has submitted an application to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting a change of use for Inspectorate House on the West Llanion Park Industrial Estate, Pembroke Dock. If approved, the practice would relocate from its current base at Unit B, London Road Shopping Mall, Kingswood Trading Estate — a branch it has operated for around 12 years.
The practice traces its Pembrokeshire roots back to 1950, when it operated in Haverfordwest town centre under the name Peters and Partners before eventually establishing its current Haverfordwest premises at 21 Portfield and later opening the Pembroke Dock branch. According to the supporting statement submitted with the application, Fenton Vets describes itself as proudly independent, run by a core team of local vets focused on community benefit.
The practice holds a notable place in local veterinary history, having been the first in Pembrokeshire to provide separate, dedicated vets to treat farm animals and pets respectively — a model it continues to operate both within and outside of normal opening hours.
Why the move?
The application's supporting statement explains that the proposed move is about tailoring a building specifically to veterinary needs rather than expanding the business for its own sake. External alterations to Inspectorate House would be minor, while internal changes would be made to create the right layout for small animal care. The practice says the relocation would allow it to design the space around what the service actually requires, rather than adapting to an existing retail unit.
The statement notes that the practice is committed to partnering with farmers across the county as well as supporting pet owners from both its Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock sites — making the continued viability of the Pembroke Dock branch important to a wide range of clients across south Pembrokeshire.
The application will be considered by county planners in due course. Residents and interested parties can view the application and submit comments through the Pembrokeshire County Council planning portal at planning.pembrokeshire.gov.uk.
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