THE proposal to build 500 houses in the proposed development known as High Malton is likely to lead to the loss from its present site of the only veterinary surgery in Malton.

A planning notice has gone up proposing the demolition by Fitzwilliam (Malton) Estates of outbuildings used by the Mount Veterinary Group. If this is passed, I have been informed that the vets’ surgery will no longer be operational and will be forced to close or relocate.

Presumably these buildings are inconvenient to the development. Yet it strikes me as odd that a “sustainable mixed-use” development, combining residential with small-scale commercial properties has no place for a veterinary surgery. I would have thought 500 new homes may bring with them the odd pet or two.

The surgery is also well-used by the farming and equestrian community, with good access for trailers and horse boxes, so its present edge-of-town location is perfect for all who use it.

The deadline for objections to this planning application is today (Wednesday).

Ann Young, Malton