A former equestrian centre could be transformed into a new state-of-the-art veterinary practice under new proposals.

Ellan Veterinary Practice Ltd, an independent veterinary company founded by veterinary surgeon Lukasz Kuberka, wants to open a new premises at Ballacallin Beg near Crosby.

The practice has now submitted a planning application to build the facility which is separate from Medicor Veterinary Practice in nearby St John’s.

In a statement, the applicant says: ‘It is intended to provide modern, high-quality veterinary services for the Isle of Man community, with a particular focus on advanced orthopaedic and diagnostic imaging services which are currently limited on the island.’

The practice will provide small animal veterinary services for regular clients as well as advanced orthopaedic consultation and surgical services, alongside CT diagnostic imaging services for clients and from referrals from other veterinary practices.

The statement says: ‘The primary objective of the practice is to improve local access to advanced veterinary diagnostics and orthopaedic procedures, reducing the need for off-Island referrals where appropriate and improving continuity of care for patients and owners.

‘The proposed CT facilities will support not only the practice’s own patients but also referred cases from other veterinary practices, encouraging professional collaboration and strengthening veterinary services available on the Island.’

The applicant also says the proposed facility would also support visiting veterinary specialists, such as equine specialist surgeons visiting the island to provide specialist assessment and treatment.

The statement says: ‘The overall intention is to create a modern veterinary facility that supports improved animal welfare, access to advanced veterinary care locally, reduced travel stress for animals and owners, greater collaboration between Island veterinary professionals and continued investment in veterinary services and infrastructure on the Isle of Man.’

The applicant says the practice is expected to operate primarily by appointment, helping to minimise traffic impact and maintain an organised flow of clients and patients throughout the day.

The statement added: ‘Due to the referral and surgical nature of much of the work, patient flow is expected to remain controlled and significantly lower than in a high-volume first opinion veterinary practice.

‘Most consultations and procedures will be pre-booked and managed throughout the day to minimise disruption, parking demand, and traffic generation.’

The practice will employ three veterinary consultants, with additional secretarial and administrative staff, creating a total of six full time and two part-time posts.

If approved, it will be open to customers from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with the weekend only available in the case of emergencies.

It is anticipated that the practice will accommodate around 25 customers per day.

The car park is significant in area and there will be provision within it for eight staff parking spaces and seven customer spaces.

The planning statement argues the proposals are a suitable use for the site and would visually improve the area.

It says: ‘We don't believe there are any adverse impacts from the proposal and the proposal meets all of the requirements of the Strategic Plan. It results in a visual improvement of the existing building and its continued maintenance into the future.’

The application will be considered by planners in due course.