A former bank in a North Somerset village looks set to be given a new lease of life, after plans to turn the premises into a veterinary surgery were revealed.

The former Natwest bank, in the Pages Court shopping precinct in Yatton, has remained empty since it closed in 2015.

However, a company called Southwest Vet Care submitted an offer to lease the property towards the end of last year and it will trade as Yatton Vets if its planning application is approved by the council.

Property consultants DJ Foley have deemed this potential use of the building to be ‘acceptable’ – despite another vet, Watkins and Tasker, already operating just across the street.

Several other business ideas had been floated for the site, including turning it into a fast food outlet, a beauty salon or a café, but none of these schemes ever materialised.

However, the use of the building as a veterinary practice is now considered to be appropriate for the site and Southwest Vet Care will carry out a refurbishment of the premises.

DJ Foley said in its marketing statement: “The marketing campaign generated only one firm offer for the property. This offer was received from a private individual wishing to use the property as a restaurant and takeaway (but) it was deemed by the landlord that a hot food takeaway unit would not be suitable in this location.

“Interest was also shown by a café and a fish and chip shop operator – again, these uses were not deemed appropriate for this location.

“In November, an offer to lease the property was received from Southwest Vet Care Limited, who will trade as Yatton Vets.

“This company will be making a very substantial investment in the property to include a complete refurbishment and high-quality fit out.

“The offer from Southwest Vet Care is the first acceptable offer that has been received during the 12 months the property has been vacant.

“We are of the opinion that a veterinary surgery is an appropriate use for this unit.

“The use will draw new users to the shopping precinct and will not conflict with other retail uses already present in the precinct.

“In addition, the attractive shop front will enhance the overall appearance of the precinct when viewed from High Street.”

Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/planning to view the application. People can comment on it until February 6.