PLANS which will see the expansion of a sheep reproduction and vet centre in West Fife have been given the go-ahead by Fife Council.

3 Bridges Vets had applied for permission to extend their existing building at Fordell by around forty square metres.

The facility offers advances sheep reproductive services as well as providing veterinary services to farm animals all-year round and catering for household pets and horses.

Planners agreed that the proposals were considered acceptable in terms of design and visual impact on the surrounding countryside.

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They stated: "The proposed extension would be relatively minor in scale in comparison to the existing building and would be appropriately finished.

"As such, it is considered that the proposal would not have a significant detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding area."

Dr Hannah McKerrow, director of the firm, previously explained the "very specialist" nature of their work on the site.

"3 Bridges Vets will offer advanced sheep reproductive services including semen collection, analysis and processing, laparoscopic artificial insemination, multiple ovulation embryo collection and transfer services," she said.

"These services allow genetic gains within the sheep flock, improvement of overall flock reproductive potential and efficiency, and preservation of valuable livestock genetics.

“As well as allowing the export of sheep genetics via embryos and semen worldwide.”

Only two other companies based in Scotland provide this service, which effectively involves bringing sheep to the centre off Clockluine Road for 'day surgery', including embryo transfer and artificial insemination.