SEVEN businesses in Peebles are seeking alternative accommodation after an office complex was earmarked as the new home for a veterinary practice.

Two Rivers Veterinary Practice, currently based in Old Town, has submitted a change of use planning application to Scottish Borders Council to take over the office units at 2 Rowan Court at Cavalry Park, which the firm recently purchased from Pearson Donaldson Properties.

The seven occupiers of the office complex are now being consulted by Pearson Donaldson over potential alternative accommodation, with the vets hoping to relocate at the end of March.

The occupiers are a locksmith, a complementary therapist, graphic designer, accountancy services, a dietician and a consultant psychologist.

A spokesperson for one of the businesses said: “It’s a bit on an inconvenience but I know the vets practice and it is very small and needs a larger unit. Hopefully, we can be relocated within Cavalry Park.”

It is also thought that some of the business operators plan to work from home instead.

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A report submitted with the change of use application, from Ericht Planning & Property Consultants, said: “This application will provide much-needed accommodation for this independent veterinary business.

“Two Rivers Veterinary Practice has surgeries in Biggar and Peebles and was established in 2005. Since then it has grown from a two vet practice to a six vet practice and from a team of six employees to 26.

“The practice has outgrown the current property internally. Further, there is no outside space and there is a lack of parking near the surgery.

“There is only space for one consulting room which is busy all day and the practice has enough work to require two or, likely, three consulting rooms. The physical space is cramped in the current building and the kennel area doubles as a staff room and laundry room.

“Two Rowan Court provides an appropriate setting for high quality veterinary care with its dedicated car parking, ground floor layout and a large well ventilated modern space suitable for consulting and clinical use. There is no other premises in Peebles of suitable size which have ground floor access, necessary window ventilation and parking.”