Dog boarding firm appeals blocked kennels plan
GoogleA dog boarding firm has lodged an appeal after a council refused its plans for a new kennels facility within the green belt.
Ferry Farm Boarding Kennels & Cattery wanted to replace an existing 18-unit kennel building in Offerton Lane near South Hylton, Sunderland, with a new one.
Sunderland City Council blocked the proposal in December over fears about its impact on the green belt, saying its height would double.
But the applicant has now contested the refusal, submitting an appeal to government planners.
A design and access statement said the proposed new kennels had been designed for "energy efficiency" but also for staff well-being and retention, as well as for the continuing satisfaction of the animals' owners.
It was noted it would be "far more economically viable" to build a new structure rather than do a conversion and the existing building would be taken down in stages.
GoogleHowever, council planners turned down the proposals, saying the development was inappropriate within the green belt and would be "detrimental" to the area's character.
The council decision report acknowledged plans would "see a new kennel block built upon land which is already substantially used for such a purpose" but noted the new building would "take in an additional 213 sq m (2,293 sq ft) of new footprint" with the height "more than doubling" from 2.74m (8.9ft) to 5.9m (19.3ft).
A planning inspector will now be appointed by the Secretary of State to rule on the matter, which could see the council's refusal decision being upheld or thrown out.
