A new veterinary practice looks set to open.

Dr Mark Rowland has applied to Maidstone council for a change-of-use permission so he can open a vets’ surgery in a former dance studio in Sutton Valence.

The practice will take up units 4 and 5 on the Warmlake Business Park. There will be only interior alterations and the building will still look the same from the outside.

Dr Rowland from Hawkenbury said: “Sutton Valence and Leeds are not serviced by a local veterinary practice.

“My proposal will create jobs locally and provide a valuable service.

“In addition to cats and dogs, I am an advanced practitioner in the treatment of exotic animals and so the practice - with its close motorway links - will take referrals from all over Kent and Sussex, providing increased footfall and spending in the area.

“Part of the building will be used as a centre for education and I have links with local agricultural colleges.

“I have close ties with local wildlife charities and so wildlife will benefit from the expertise of the practice.”

Dr Rowland intends to open the surgery from 8am to 7pm. It will include X-ray facilities.

The dance studio closed last year.

The building had suffered a serious fire in November, 2014, as the result of an electrical fault.

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View details of the planning application on the Maidstone council website, under reference number 24/503278.