Southampton groomers to replace vacant takeaway

A new pet grooming salon and accessory shop could replace a vacant takeaway business in Southampton, according to a new planning application.

Barks ‘n Bubbles Dog Grooming is hoping to get the green light to operate in the same place as an existing, vacant hot food takeaway shop, described as an ‘eye sore’.

If granted permission, the proposal will provide work for two full-time and two part-time staff members – including the business owner/groomer, two groomers and one shop assistant/bather.

The accessory shop will supply products made by local businesses. It will stock dog accessories, treats and grooming products and is expected to attract customers that bring in their dogs for grooming or passing foot traffic.

It will also provide work experience for level 2 and level 3 students, who are completing their Animal Management Qualifications at Sparsholt College Hampshire.

If permitted, the business will operate between 08:30 and 19:00, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays.

“The hot food takeaway has been vacant for some time, it had been left unkept and is an eye sore in the area. By allowing the change of use, and opening as a dog grooming salon and dog accessory shop, it will inject further vitality in the area, preserve the building and prevent it from falling into further disrepair,” the planning application reads.