A MAJOR veterinary group is seeking to take over a vacant pizza restaurant in Barrow.

CVS Vets PLC has applied to Westmorland and Furness Council for permission to refit the vacant Pizza Hut unit, at Hollywood Park, as a veterinary practice.

The group currently owns and operates over 500 veterinary practices in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and the Netherlands, including the Church Walk Veterinary Centres in Barrow and Ulverston.

The 660 square-metre site had previously been the subject of an application from Canadian food and coffee giant Tim Horton’s to turn the site into its first outlet in Cumbria.

But six months after the first submitting the plans to Barrow Borough Council in June 2021, the proposal was withdrawn.

The Hollywood Park Pizza Hut branch closed its doors for the final time in September 2021.

Norfolk-based CVS has now come up with a new plan for the vacant site, and proposes to open from Monday to Friday, from 8.30am until 7pm, and would employ a proposed seven members of staff.

READ MORE: Calls for Pizza Hut to make comeback after chain withdraws plans

The description of the proposal on the application form says: “Fit out of former pizza hut restaurant as veterinary practice (both class E).

"Modifications to the facade to suit minor changes including removing and infilling a section of glazing to the consultation room and the provision of an additional external door to suit the proposed fire strategy.

"The infilling of the existing doorway to the existing fridge/freezer area (semi-external), and enclosure of this area with a new roof to form part of the internal space.

"Minor external works to form dog secure exercise area, medical gas bottle enclosure and works around client entrance to building."

CVS has seen substantial growth in recent years, reporting a 7.3 per cent revenue growth in its practices in the six months to the end of December 2022.

It also operates four laboratories performing diagnostics services for the veterinary industry and seven pet crematoria.

The group includes Animed Direct, an online store selling medicines, pet food, and other animal-related products.

If successful, it would mean another veterinary addition to Barrow following the recent opening of Wild Side Vets on Abbey Road, which also offers an out-of-hours service.