Green light for state-of-the-art pet hospital

A new state-of-the-art pet hospital will be built in Hull after plans were given the green light.

Hull City Council's planning committee granted approval, with conditions, for the facility at its meeting today, Wednesday 24 April.

People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) submitted plans on land adjacent to Brunswick Avenue and Waterloo Street since its current facility on Brunswick Avenue can no longer keep up with demand.

The site was formerly that of Waterloo Street shop which was demolished some years ago due to persistent vandalism and arson attacks and is now overgrown and continues to be affected by anti-social behaviour.

The land will be purchased from the council and will now become a modern pet hospital run by PDSA, a charity which offers free and low-cost veterinary care to poorly pets in need, as well as pet help and advice, services and support.

This development will provide greater capacity to care for sick animals, bring capital investment and more employment to the city and help to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Nick Howbridge, assistant director for property and assets at the council, said: "I am delighted that planning permission has been granted for this facility.

"Not only does it help to address concerns over anti-social behaviour and eradicate an overgrown site, but it will also enable to PDSA to continue its excellent work."

In 2023, PDSA supported almost 8,000 households in Hull and carried out 15,493 consultations and 1,000 surgical procedures.

John Faulkner, Principal Regional Vet for PDSA said: "We're delighted to have got the green light on our plans for a new Hull PDSA Pet Hospital, next to our current site on Brunswick Avenue.

"Our dedicated team in Hull provides an incredible service for local pet owners, but a bigger pet hospital will enable us to increase our capacity and provide an even better, more efficient service.

"Now that planning approval has been granted, we can finalise the purchase of the land, confirm fundraising requirements and plan our next steps.

"We'll provide updates along the way and ultimately, we hope to be able to keep more people and pets together in Hull."