An attempt to allay potential fears about noise has been made in a plan to set up new dog-kennels and a cattery in Ashfield.
The kennels for dog-breeding and the commercial boarding cattery are earmarked for Yew Tree Cottage, which is on Yew Tree Drive, off Common Road in Huthwaite.
A planning application has been submitted to Ashfield District Council for the construction of the business, complete with a two-storey building for reception and storage, plus a small car park.
In the past, the cottage housed a similar operation, known as Yew Tree Kennels, for many years, and the old cattery building, which would be demolished under the scheme, still stands.
However, a planning statement supporting the application stresses that the previous kennels were for boarding pets, whereas this fresh plan is for breeding and, therefore, unlikely to trigger as much noise from barking.
It says: “The site has historically operated as boarding kennels, where transient animal movements and unfamiliar dogs would have generated a greater level of activity and nose.
“By contrast, dogs kept within a breeding environment are resident animals for whom the site is their permanent home.
“They become fully accustomed to the surroundings, daily routine and handlers, resulting in a more settled and predictable environment.
“The dogs are cared for by familiar people within a consistent routine, including regular exercise, feeding and social interaction, which significantly reduces stress-related behaviour and associated noise.
“The proposed operation is, therefore, fundamentally different in character and intensity from boarding kennels.”
The application has been made by Mr and Mrs T. Hollis, who own the site, although the agent for the project, Stone Planning Services Ltd, of Swanwick, Derbyshire, says it “has been instructed by Peveril Homes Ltd”, which is a Belper-based firm involved in the construction of domestic buildings.
The site covers almost one acre (0.38 hectares) and is surrounded by hedges and fences, with an oak tree that is protected by a preservation order.
Stone says there would be a reduction in the previous number of dog kennels from ten to five, while the number of cattery pens would be reduced from more than 20 to nine, with “a theoretical maximum capacity of 18 cats”.
“They would be designed using modern methods and materials, with animal welfare and noise mitigation the key considerations,” Stone’s statement goes on.
“The improved kennel design would provide a calmer and more comfortable environment for the animals.”
The car park would have only four spaces but Stone points out: “It is anticipated that the cattery would involve a maximum of five vehicular movements per week to pick up and drop off pets.
“The kennels would generate minimal traffic, and only when a litter is born or when customers visit the site to view the dogs and subsequently collect.
“In conclusion, there are no adverse impacts relating to this development that would outweigh the benefits.”
According to the application, the cattery is needed because there is “an increasing amount of choice and competition in this field”.
The whole business would operate from 7 am to 7 pm Mondays to Fridays and was expected to generate two part-time jobs.
THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/
