PROPOSALS for a dog day care facility adjoining a car sales business on Manchester Road, Warrington has been rejected by town planners due to concerns over noise impact.
The proposal which iamed to cater for upo to 20 dogs included land at the front of the building. There would be no external alterations to the building, other than the erection of fencing.
Planners were told the applicant was a life-long animal lover who was well aware that dogs can be disruptive. But dogs barked through frustration or being lonely and the dogs at the centre would be cared for and looked after in a stress-free, fun environment and would not feel the need to bark.
They would have no impact on the nearest residential properties in Beresford Street.
They said the dogs would be carefully selected based on factors such as age, size, temperament and breed to maintain a safe and harmonious environment.
Adult dogs would be required to be neutered, and all dogs would have to have up-to-date vaccinations, with proof provided by the owner.
Access to the property would be via the back door and side gates, using two allocated parking spaces.
Planning consultants said they believed the proposals were acceptable and would be of considerable benefit to the area.
But Warrington Borough Council planners rejected the application stating; “Insufficient evidence and information has been submitted in relation to potential noise arising from the proposed use of the site for dog day
care. The methodology used in the submitted noise assessment is not considered to accurately assess the potential noise impact and therefore it cannot be assured that the proposed use of the site for dog day care would not result in adverse impacts on the amenity and living conditions of existing neighbouring residential occupiers. The application is therefore contrary to policies DC6 and ENV8 of the Warrington Local Plan (2023).
They added: “There is insufficient parking provision within the site to accommodate the potential vehicle movements and parking demand which would be generated by the proposed use of the site for dog day care. This would result in levels of potential additional street parking which, by virtue of the existing highway conditions surrounding the site, including existing Traffic Regulation Orders and high existing demand for on-street
parking, would be detrimental to the surrounding highway network and the amenities of the existing local community. The application is therefore contrary to policies INF1 and ENV8 of the Warrington Local Plan (2023).
They concluded: “The provision of an exercise yard at the front of the site, and the proposed means of enclosure of this area, would have an adverse visual impact on the character and appearance of the application site and the wider street scene. The proposal would fail to contribute positively to the public realm or make a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness. The application is therefore contrary to policy DC6 of
the Warrington Local Plan (2023) and the principles within the Warrington Design Guide SPD (2024).”
