Dog breeding business at Longlands Farm, Lodge Lane, Minting

What was proposed

The application sought permission to regularise a dog breeding business in part of an agricultural building, with pens, outdoor runs and an exercise area.

“Planning permission is sought to regularise a dog breeding business on the site. Dog kennels/pens are currently set up in the agricultural building and the application has been operating as a dog breeding business from the site since approximately 2022.”

“As amended, the plans show that there would be a total of 14 pens (including whelping pens). Outdoor runs are proposed, as well as a dog exercise area. The supporting information confirms the business is proposed to operate as follows:”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a small agricultural holding in open countryside, with an agricultural building, static caravan, paddocks and nearby homes.

“The site comprises a small agricultural holding located in the open countryside to the north of the village of Minting. There is an existing static caravan located to the northwestern corner of the site, with an area of hardstanding to the front, and an agricultural building located along the western boundary of the site. Only part of the previously approved agricultural building had been built at the time of the officer site visit (May 2025).”

“Access is off Lodge Lane via an existing vehicular access. The remainder of the application site is given over to paddock areas. The supporting statement sets out that the agricultural building has been used for the rearing of pigs (approximately 60%), with approximately 40% of the building used for a dog breeding business. The site is not within a Conservation Area and there are no trees protected by Tree Preservations Orders within the site.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier decisions included approvals for agricultural buildings and a temporary caravan, alongside refusals for a residential caravan and other proposed buildings.

“S/122/00799/20 – Determination of whether or not prior approval is required for a building consisting of toilet washroom, changing room, animal husbandry storage and an office. Refused on the basis that the proposal is not reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture within that unit, is not designed for agricultural purposes, and as the cumulative area of the proposed building, and other buildings within 90m which are to be provided, exceeds 1000sqm.”

“S/122/00852/24 - Planning Permission - Siting of a temporary static caravan for residential use in connection with existing farm (works complete). Approved (temporary permission – 3 years from 20/11/2024).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Protection accepted the proposal subject to noise mitigation, while highways and flood officers raised no objections and the parish council opposed it.

“ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION– NOISE - Initially expressed concern about the building housing the dogs not being insulated both for sound, and to regulate the temperature. Required a Noise Assessment to be submitted to be able to properly assess the situation in terms of noise impact.”

“ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION – ANIMAL LICENSING – Recommended that the applicant is reminded that the proposal will be subject to licensing under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

More than 75 objections raised concerns about animal welfare, barking, biosecurity, waste, ecology, traffic, the building and the business’s planning history.

“General concern about animal welfare and if the business would conform to Lucy’s Law (legislation to tackle the low-welfare, high volume supply of puppies and kittens, by banning their commercial third-party sale in England). Also, consideration is required of the Animal Welfare Act, and the Animal Sentience Act.”

“Animal Welfare is a material planning consideration – refence to R (Animal Equality UK) v Northeast Lincolnshire Borough Council [2025] EWHC 1331 (Admin). Concern that the dogs currently kept at the site are in breach of the requirement for an animal welfare license.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support and an objector spoke against the application before members questioned the speakers.

The committee vote

The committee voted to refuse the application against the officer recommendation, with seven members in favour, none against and one abstention.

“Following which, the application was Proposed for refusal against officer recommendation.”

“Following which, the application was Seconded for refusal against officer recommendation on the grounds of animal welfare and residential amenity.”

Minutes