Merseyside council refuses plans for doggy daycare

Plans for a doggy daycare in Sefton, Merseyside, have been refused over fears around dogs “barking incessantly”.

The facility, which would have been built on greenbelt land at Upfields in Park Lane, would have operated between 7am and 7pm. The proposals also involved the construction of a ‘doggy play barn’ and enclosure, according to papers submitted to Sefton Council’s planning officers.

The officers stated in a report that there is “considerable potential” for the proposal to produce noise that would impact on neighbouring properties, but an impact assessment had not been not provided. As a result, officers had “insufficient information” to determine whether to accept or reject the application.

The report adds that there was also insufficient information provided about road access and parking arrangements, the number of dogs to be held at the site, and how the business intends the operate.

In addition, officers said the proposal was an “inappropriate development” that put the green belt at risk of “potential harm.”

They added that the building’s design, on such an “exposed site”, did not “respond positively to the existing character of the area”.