Historic 18th century Greater Manchester pub set to become 24-hour vet’s practice

A round-the-clock animal hospital could open in part of a listed building dating back to 1780 in the centre of Ramsbottom.

Medivet has requested planning permission to use the rear section of the former Grants Arms on Market Place as a veterinary practice.

Documents published in the past week by Bury Council state Medivet’s wish to transfer their operation from their smaller premises on Central Street to use the currently unused part of the former pub.

The application, said: “Medivet is a group of veterinary 24 hour hospitals with napproximately 400 locations across the company.

“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.”

If the plans are approved Medivet will construct 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 it is rendered with a slate roof and arched doorways.

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.