Plans refused for new Hartlepool dog grooming salon amid fears barking would disturb neighbours

Hartlepool Borough Council planning department have refused plans for the dog grooming parlour to open in an outbuilding to the rear of 41 Hutton Avenue in the town.

Plans were submitted from Georgia Cook, on behalf of ‘Bark and Bone’ for the outbuildings to be updated and to include a bath/showering area and two grooming areas.

Bark and Bone had previously been trading for just over two years from within the shop Mutt & Co, but the shop has since had to close.

In total four objections were submitted to the plans from residents in the area raising concerns the development would harm the conservation area it is in and cause unwelcome noise and nuisance from dog drop offs and collections.

A report from council senior planning officer Laura Chambers ruled the plans are to be refused.

She said: “It is considered the proposals would be detrimental to the amenities and character of the area by virtue of the level of comings and goings it is envisaged the business would result in.

“[This would] result in the need for staff to facilitate the use, and the potential for noise nuisance resulting from dogs unfamiliar with each other being left in cages within the garden area of the property while staff are carrying out grooming duties.”

In refusing the plans, several concerns raised by residents were reflected in the decision making report from council officers.

One Hutton Avenue resident said: “I do not believe that businesses should be run from a residential home as there will be an increase in traffic in the street and possibly surrounding streets.

“The possibility of dogs barking will cause a nuisance for residents in the surrounding area, thus spoiling the ambience within their own gardens.

“In addition the increase of dog dirt within the street is likely as many dogs become anxious about going to be groomed.”

A design and access statement, submitted by GAP Design on behalf of the applicant, had previously argued the development would not be detrimental to neighbouring homes.

It said: “Bark & Bone have traded successfully for over two years from ancillary rooms made available by Mutt & Co in Catcote Road.

“Unfortunately, Mutt & Co has closed unexpectedly due to circumstances beyond my clients control and a new base is required.

“We consider that the visiting numbers will be so minimal that it will not be detrimental to neighbouring properties.”