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08
Apr
Plans for Harrogate dog day care facility revived
Plans for a dog day care facility in Harrogate have been revived.
The Harrogate Dog Day Care, which has occupied part of Strayside House on West Park since April last year, has re-submitted a retrospective application seeking approval for the change of use from an office to a dog day care facility.
The new application was put to North Yorkshire Council on March 31, but it follows a previous proposal lodged last October, which proved divisive.
The Stray Ferret reported on the first application at the time of submission, which sought approval for the change of use, as well as permission to convert a section of the rear car park into an outdoor exercise area for the dogs.
However, it was met with several objections and residents of the neighbouring Prince of Wales Mansions raised concerns over noise levels and potential smells.
Dr David Holmes, the director of Prince of Wales Mansions Harrogate Ltd, submitted a lengthy objection letter on behalf of the residents and the mansion’s board.
The letter, which was seen by the Stray Ferret at the time, said:
Many of our residents are disturbed and upset by the volume of barking from the dogs over the past six-seven months. Evidence of noise detrimental to mental health has been, and will be, submitted to environmental protection using the nuisance monitoring form in the noise nuisance pack issued by North Yorkshire Council.
The back of the site. The metal fencing, which has now been dismantled, is also visible in the photo.
Another objector felt the business would be better suited to the outer parts of the town or in a more rural area, and flagged the potential smells that could come from the site.
Harrogate Dog Day Care owner, Sarah Smith, later withdrew the plans but told the Stray Ferret at the time she intended to re-submit a “slightly different” proposal.
The latest application appears to be relatively similar to the first, but it no longer seeks approval for the outdoor exercise area.
The metal fencing erected last year to form the exercise area has recently been removed and dogs are instead exercised on the Stray twice a day.
In addition, planning documents state further information, including a noise impact assessment, has been provided to support the new plans.
The application also seeks approval to use part of the space as an overnight dog accommodation.
Planning documents state this would be to the front of the building, which faces the A61, on the first floor. Dogs would sleep in soundproof kennels, which “immediately prevent noise escape”, whilst the building and windows would be insulated to further prevent noise impact on neighbours.
Drop-off and pick-up of dogs is done inside the building, meaning the amount of time dogs spend on the pavement is minimised and rear windows are kept closed to stop noise travelling to the Prince of Wales Mansions.
According to a planning document, The Harrogate Dog Day Care currently operates between 7.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The facility offers socialisation for dogs in a controlled environemnt, and the dogs can take advantage of a dog lounge, kitchen and "movie room". There are also relaxation rooms for the dogs to rest.
North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plans at a later date.
The Stray Ferret approached Harrogate Dog Day Care for comment on the new plans but we had not received a response at the time of publication.
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