Puppy plans refused

The kennels and puppy building in Church Road has been at the centre of controversy with neighbours complaining about noise pollution, a council planning meeting heard.

Gary Peck, planning team leader for the south of the district, explained to the development control south committee last Tuesday that a planning application was for the puppy building and not the open kennel housing the owners’ six dogs.

He told councillors that the building was sound-proofed and added that the noise disturbing those living nearby came from the kennels, which would not be affected if they refused the retrospective planning application for the puppy building.

Mr Peck said the building itself did not need planning permission.

However, due to the nature of the business, it was before the council to discuss any possible conditions, which could be attached.

M. Gray, agent for the applicant, told councillors that the owner was happy to address the issue of the kennels if permission was granted.

He stated that they would look at reducing the number of dogs to reduce the noise.

Two neighbours of the property spoke at the meeting and commented on how the noise impacted their lives.

Mrs C. Taylor said that even with her double glazed windows shut she could still hear the barking and added that it was not the volume but the pitch from the dogs that irritated her.

Local members for Cowfold, Shermanbury and West Grinstead, Jonathan Chowen (Con) and Andrew Dunlop (Con) told the committee they had received many emails and phone calls in relation to the site.

Initially councillors suggested the decision should be delegated so that local members and the applicant could discuss matters.

However, this was declared ‘a waste of the council’s money’ by some councillors.

Chairman David Jenkins (Con, Chanctonbury) then proposed that the plan should be refused. Both Mr Chowen and Mr Dunlop agreed.

Mr Chowen added that if it went to appeal he would be able to get more than enough people together to speak to object to the plans.

The committee voted to refuse the application.