A RENOWNED equine physiotherapy practice will be able to expand after being given planning permission for its new headquarters.
The practice was started in Malvern 13 years ago by consultant veterinary physio Tim Bradford and his wife Rhiannon and since then has gone on to employ six members of staff.
Bradford’s Veterinary Physiotherapy will be based at Coton Cottage Farm, off the Hanley Road, following the decision which took two years to negotiate.
The old dairy parlour will become a treatment suite and office space and the stables opposite will be transformed into a hub for the equine side of the business.
Downstairs in the dairy parlour, a new reception area and waiting room will be built, along with two to three treatment rooms, a staff kitchen and disabled toilet facilities.
Upstairs a large open plan area will be created, giving scope for Bradford’s educational work where experts can host lectures and seminars, as well as providing a usable space for groups.
There will also be an office and staff room and the stables will be renovated to accommodate horses Tim will be treating.
Riders and owners from across the UK take their animals to Tim who works with the British Equestrian Federation and prepared the Olympic dressage horses for the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.
He also treats top dressage horses for international riders, including Carl Hester, Katie Bailey, Spencer Wilton and Horse of the Year Show star Katie Bailey, and has been out in Europe in the summer giving his expert opinions and advice on horses over there.
Rhiannon, who heads up the human clinics, said the pair were delighted with Malvern Hills District Council’s decision.
“From a business point of view, to be able to operate Bradford’s Physiotherapy and Bradford’s Veterinary Physiotherapy from one site is absolutely fantastic.
“All of our patience, all our hard work – it feels like it’s finally come together.”
Planning permission took two years because of the need for a sensitive conversion.
Conditions involve improving the Hanley Road entrance and installing secure cycle parking before development work takes place.
Environmental considerations include the installation of bird boxes and a hedgehog refuge and preservation of the existing bat roost.
Work is expected to start in the spring.
Call 01432 890490 or visit www.bradfordsphyio.co.uk or www.bradfordsvetphysio.co.uk for more information.
