A new community interest company wants to turn the disused St John Ambulance hall on Lesbury Avenue, Shiremoor, into an affordable vet practice with its own surgical theatre.

A non-profit vet practice could open in the former St John Ambulance hall on Lesbury Avenue in Shiremoor, about three miles west of Whitley Bay. The applicant says the last sign of the hall in use dates from 2024.

The plan was lodged with North Tyneside Council on 2 November and validated on 3 November, as application 26/01526/CLPROP. The applicant is Non-Profit Veterinary Centre CIC, a community interest company. It was registered at Companies House on 28 September, with the hall as its address.

What the practice would offer

The applicant’s supporting statement says the aim is “accessible, affordable, yet advanced veterinary care”. It would mix everyday consultations with referral surgery, including orthopaedics, endoscopy and keyhole spays.

The converted building would hold:

  • three consulting rooms and a treatment area
  • a surgical theatre
  • a digital X-ray room with a dental table
  • separate cat and dog wards, plus a small isolation room
  • a reception and staff rooms

Hours and staff

What the statement says
Opening hours 8.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, by appointment only
Evenings and weekends Covered by Moorview Referral in Cramlington or Emergency Vet Team in Boldon
Staff at opening One vet, two nurses and two receptionists
Staff if it grows 11 to 12 full-time equivalent posts, including two apprentice student nurses
Building work Inside only, about two to three months

The statement expects no more than two or three clients on site at once, staying 20 to 30 minutes. A bike store would be added for staff.

Why it is a certificate, not full planning permission

The application asks for a certificate of lawful proposed use. That is a legal test of whether the change needs planning permission at all, not a judgement on whether the practice is a good idea. The statement says St John Ambulance used the hall as a community day care centre, and that it had been in continuous use since 1971.

What it means for you

  • If you keep pets in Shiremoor, Backworth or Whitley Bay, this could be a new, lower-cost option on your doorstep. The applicant has not yet published prices or an opening date.
  • If you live near Lesbury Avenue, the plans and statement are on the council’s planning portal under 26/01526/CLPROP. The statement says the practice would not open in the evening or at weekends.
  • For other applications near you, see our Whitley Bay planning news page.