Plans for Derbyshire dog care business revealed

Plans for a doggy daycare and home-boarding business, to operate from a house in Mid Derbyshire, have been revealed.

Jake Mortland, whose wife Elle Vernon runs Pets and Pups at their home on Sporton Lane, South Normanton, has applied to Bolsover District Council for change of use for internal professional services in the study and garage of the detached house. Under an Environmental Health licence, up to 10 dogs are permitted on the property.

A design and access statement to the council said that daycare dogs are constantly supervised throughout the day. Boarding dogs stay with daycare dogs in a garden room during the day and occupy the same space in the evening and overnight.

However, Environmental Health Officer John Mills has recommended that the application be refused. He said: “The existing floor space is used as a garage and has a flat roof. The applicant has not submitted sufficient detail to explain how barking noise will be sufficiently contained within such a structure and there is no details provided in regards ventilation. Furthermore, dogs will be allowed access for exercise in the domestic garden space, and during periods of play or feed times are likely to bark excitedly.

“I consider the keeping of this number of dogs, especially on a commercial basis where the dogs are from a variety of backgrounds and likely to be anxious at being separated from their owners, is not suitable in this location.”

The council’s decision on the application is pending.