Dog agility training at Briar House, Fen Road, Dowsby

The site and its setting

The site is a detached home east of Dowsby with an outbuilding, a caravan during internal works and extensive garden land.

“Description of Site 1.1 The application site comprises of a detached residential property, Briar House, located along Fen Road to the east of the settlement of Dowsby. The application site includes a detached outbuilding which has been the subject of recent works to reinstate it to a useable condition. The outbuildings structure, footprint and scale were retained.”

Officer report

Earlier works and history

There was no relevant site history, while parking, fencing and gates had already been created and the use had not started.

“The proposal is partially retrospective in that a separate parking area and associated security fencing, and gates have been created on site, and the space to the south of the site that would be given over to the new use has been separated from the residential property by fencing. The development is not wholly retrospective as the works have not completed and the use has not yet commenced on site.”

Officer report

Public speakers

Neighbours spoke against the proposal about noise and disturbance, while a supporter and the applicant described mitigation and consultees’ lack of objections.

Members’ debate

Members discussed existing dog ownership, barking controls, an inner boundary, acoustic fencing, conditions and parking provision.

“During questions to public speakers, Members commented on the following: - Clarifying the work that had been undertaken thus far, the applicant confirmed that they had refurbished an existing outbuilding, added fencing for their own dog, and had removed rotten trees. - The applicant also clarified their plans to manage concerns about excessive dog barking.”

“During questions to Officers and debate, Members commented on the following: - A member noted that the current owners could have countless dogs themselves and cause the issue that the neighbours was concerned about. - Upon the suggestion of members, it was noted that a Condition Three Informative would be included to ensure an inner boundary was left from the neighbouring fence. A member also suggested acoustic fencing.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed permission subject to conditions, adding boundary treatment requirements and restricting use to 9am–5pm Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions, and with an amended condition that the hours of operation were 9AM – 5PM, Monday to Saturday. With no operating hours on Sundays or bank holidays:”

“- 0900-1700 Monday to Saturday (excluding bank holidays)”

Minutes