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A new veterinary practice could increase visitors to Caerphilly’s Castle View Shopping Centre, planners have suggested.

Lextan, which owns a tanning salon on the site, has been granted planning permission to change the use of Unit 11, next door, into a vets’ clinic.

The new premises will include a reception and waiting area, consultation rooms, staff facilities and a pharmacy, plans show.

Caerphilly County Borough Council planners said the conversion would result in the loss of retail space, but also acknowledged that the unit is currently vacant.

“The redevelopment of the unit would increase footfall within the centre and as such would likely contribute to the vitality and viability of the area,” the council planning officers judged.

The vets’ practice will also “provide a valuable service at an accessible location”, they added.

No neighbours objected to the proposals during a recent consultation on the conversion plans.