Dog breeding kennels at Sibley House, Walsoken, Wisbech

The site and dogs

The site is in open countryside beside Station Road, with eleven German Shepherd dogs in unauthorised wooden kennels and five dogs at the house.

“At the current time the applicant has a breeding licence for two dogs which she keeps in the dwelling known as Sibley House along with three other pet dogs (five in total). There are an additional 11 German Shepherd dogs (GSD) which are currently kept on site, (without planning permission and within wooden kennels) and it is these dogs which would be rehoused within these kennels should the application be approved.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Two earlier applications were refused in 2024, while this proposal removed the previously proposed separate residential accommodation.

“24/01117/F: Application Refused: 29/11/24 - Proposed erection of kennel buildings, within the confines of existing buildings (to be repaired made good) and the creation of an external exercise area both for operational use associated with the breeding of dogs. In addition, the conversion of an existing barn to provide residential accommodation for the kennel manager - Sibley House Station Road Walsoken…”

“24/00036/F: Application Refused: 09/05/24 - Erection of Various Outbuildings for Kennels & Associated Static Caravan - Sibley House Station Road Walsoken…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected over noise and resident amenity, while highways, nuisance, drainage, environmental quality and emergency planning consultees raised no objections subject to controls.

“Nuisance to neighbours (noise) • Welfare concerns about local residents due to amenity issues.”

“Irrespective of planning consent, if the residential dogs, commercial kennelled dogs, or both, generate nuisance complaints, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 the Local Authority has a duty to investigate complaints and we may (on determination of a Statutory Nuisance) serve a legal notice requiring any said nuisance to be abated – with failure to comply potentially resulting in prosecution.”

Officer report

What people said

Objectors raised concerns about noise, welfare, waste, fencing, escapes, contamination and the proposal’s viability, while supporters described a well-run, quiet countryside business.

“Main issue is a balance between neighbour amenity, commercial viability and animal welfare. • Been refused twice but there have not heeded advice. • Acoustic quality of the kennels. • Noise issues with dogs barking effecting mental health and well-being. • Poor business plan, aspirational rather than precise calculations regarding costs of construction, wages, service costs such as electricity. • Is it viable given the costs of breeding and reduction in demand for puppies.”

“Well run business with caring staff. • Secure gates mean need to call ahead to gain access. • Noise is minimal (only if someone unknown approaches). • Not a puppy farm. • Kennel Club registered dogs. • Area has other dogs that also bark. • Some objectors do not live nearby. • In a countryside location which is ideal for animals, with space to run. • Farmer in Scotland diversified from sheep farming to dog farming. • Land should be diversified so people can make a living.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A resident objector, a supporter and Councillor Kirk addressed the committee, and the planning control manager confirmed the breeding licence.

Members’ debate

Members debated fencing, distances, licensing, dog numbers and waste, and proposed stronger fencing, completed kennels before relocation and a temporary waste bin.

“Committee members debated the adequacy of fencing and Councillor Lintern proposed an amendment to condition 4 to require a 2m high close board fence around the exercise area for the kennels for security and noise attenuation. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Spikings.”

“In relation to waste management, Councillor Spikings proposed that condition 10 be amended to require provision of a temporary dog waste bin on site until permanent waste management was in place. This was seconded by Councillor Lintern.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee approved the recommendation with amendments to conditions 2, 4 and 10 and an informative, by 5 votes to 4 with 4 abstentions.

“The Democratic Services Officer then conducted a roll call on the recommendation to approve the application, subject to amendments to conditions 2, 4 and 10 as detailed above and an informative on the decision regarding licensing and, after having been put to the vote, was carried (5 votes for, 4 against and 4 abstentions).”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with a 2-metre fence, temporary waste storage, confirmation that kennels were complete before dogs moved in and licensing information.

“Amend condition 4 to require a 2-metre-high close boarded fence around the exercise area for the kennels.”

“Amend condition 10 to require provision of a temporary dog waste bin on site until permanent waste management is in place.”

Minutes