Former Olive Branch pub and Rainbow Chinese near Charing to become Olive Tree Veterinary Surgery as plan approved by Ashford Borough Council

Former Olive Branch pub and Rainbow Chinese near Charing to become Olive Tree Veterinary Surgery as plan approved by Ashford Borough Council
A former pub-turned-restaurant that served customers for 30 years is to be converted into a village’s sole vet practice.

Bosses of Rainbow Chinese in Westwell Leacon, near Charing, submitted plans to turn the long-empty building into Olive Tree Veterinary Surgery in October.

The former pub will become Olive Tree Veterinary Surgery in Westwell Leacon, Charing. Picture: SG BourneThe former pub will become Olive Tree Veterinary Surgery in Westwell Leacon, Charing. Picture: SG Bourne
The former pub will become Olive Tree Veterinary Surgery in Westwell Leacon, Charing. Picture: SG Bourne

Situated opposite wholesalers Ardo just off A20 Ashford Road, the site had operated as the Olive Branch pub until the 1990s before becoming a restaurant.

But the new proposal, submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC), showed how the ground floor will be reconfigured to include three consulting rooms.

The application has since been given the nod by planning officers.

It will also become Charing’s only vets following the closure of Lady Dane Veterinary Centre in Pluckley Road.

Once up and running, it will include two operating theatres, a preparation room, a dispensary X-ray room and a dental care facility.

The former Rainbow Chinese in Westwell Leacon is to become a vet. Picture: KMGThe former Rainbow Chinese in Westwell Leacon is to become a vet. Picture: KMG
The former Rainbow Chinese in Westwell Leacon is to become a vet. Picture: KMG

The first floor, which is currently a home, would house the administration office as well as a staff restroom and sleeping accommodation for an overnight duty vet when required.

It also includes a small extension at the back of the building which would become a dog isolation kennel.

The practice will be built on the site of a previously demolished outbuilding which was described as being in a “dilapidated condition”.

The existing car park is to remain alongside the addition of two new staff parking spaces which will be created in front of the building.

Once open, the surgery will create three full-time jobs and one part-time job.

The building in Charing was previously home to Rainbow Chinese for 30 years. Picture: GoogleThe building in Charing was previously home to Rainbow Chinese for 30 years. Picture: Google
The building in Charing was previously home to Rainbow Chinese for 30 years. Picture: Google

Information in planning documents says this could end up becoming six full-time and three part-time employees in the future.

Customers will be able to bring their pets during its weekday opening hours of 8am until 6am and 9am until 12am hours on weekends.

There will be no overnight emergency services on site.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The application – submitted by Robert and Lindsay Lawrence – has been approved after plans to extend the building and convert it into four flats were refused by ABC in 2020.

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