Dog grooming salon at True Homes Estate Agents The Stables, Newcastle upon Tyne

What was proposed

The application sought to change a vacant commercial premises from Use Class E to a dog grooming salon, with no external alterations.

“The application site relates to a vacant commercial property known as The Stables, located on School Lane in Whickham. The premises were previously occupied by True Homes Estate Agents.”

“The application is seeking planning permission for the change of use of the premises from Use Class E Estate Agents, to use as a dog grooming salon under a Sui Generis use. The premises are to be run by ‘My Dog Barber’ who are understood to operate five salons across the North East. Page 55 Agenda Item 6”

Officer report

The site

The small stone-built premises lies within Whickham Conservation Area, at the edge of the district shopping centre, and has 70 square metres of floorspace.

“The premises is a relatively small, single-storey, stone built property and has a gross internal floorspace of 70 square metres.”

“The site falls within Whickham Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier uses and permissions

The premises was previously an estate agents, veterinary practice and clothes shop, with a 2009 permission for veterinary use.

“The premises was most recently granted planning permission for the change of use from a shop to a veterinary practice in 2009, operating as Croft Vets, and prior to that was used as a clothes shop (Brides and Gowns).”

Officer report

What people said

Six objections raised parking, traffic, noise, disturbance, residential character and dog fouling concerns, while one representation supported the business.

“Highway Safety, Traffic and Parking • Concerns that the proposal would exacerbate existing parking shortages in School Lane, Church Green and the surrounding area. • Current difficulty parking near neighbouring properties and existing congestion caused by visitors to local businesses and amenities. • Additional customer drop-offs and pick-ups associated with the dog grooming business would increase parking demand.”

“Residential Amenity (Noise and Disturbance) • Concerns regarding noise generated by dogs arriving at and leaving the premises. • Potential disturbance to neighbouring residents from increased activity associated with the business. • Concerns that business operations could result in noise and disturbance during early morning and late evening periods.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No speakers addressed the committee, and an update added two objections, bringing the total representations to eight including one supporting representation.

The committee decision

The committee granted planning permission for the proposed dog grooming salon.

“That permission be GRANTED subject to the following condition(s) and that the Service Director of Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport be authorised to add, vary and amend the planning conditions as necessary outlined in the main agenda and the supplementary agenda.”

Minutes

Conditions on the business

Permission limits opening hours, requires the Dog Management Plan, closed windows and doors during grooming, staggered appointments and an approved refuse plan.

“Prior to the first use/ occupation of the development hereby approved, a Refuse Management Statement and Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“The Refuse Management Plan shall include a scaled plan to show the location of where the refuse would be stored and its collection point.”

Minutes