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South Holland district councillors shocked at conditions at dog breeder’s home in Crowland




Councillors were left ‘shocked’ by images of a Crowland dog breeder’s home-based facility.

Mr G Jenkins had applied for a retrospective change of use for part of the residential garden at 67 North Street where, although he has a council licence to breed dogs, which runs up to December 2024, he still needs planning permission to do this.

However, Coun Anthony Casson said there had been a ‘misunderstanding’ by the applicant and – although he believed he could keep 30 dogs at the site – his licence only allow for 20.

The dog breeding facility at the back of the property. Image was shown to South Holland District Council’s planning committee at the meeting
The dog breeding facility at the back of the property. Image was shown to South Holland District Council’s planning committee at the meeting

Members were unhappy with the arrangements at the terraced property and questioned the ‘unusual’ lack of noise complaints from neighbours, while also raising concerns over animal welfare.

“It’s quite clear that the number of dogs is in breach of the licence,” said Coun Paul Redgate.

“It feels as though we are trying to normalise something which is an issue.

The front of 67 North Street, Crowland (Image: Google)
The front of 67 North Street, Crowland (Image: Google)

“Many of us know that there are a number of complaints on these facilities in rural areas so it doesn’t feel right in the middle of one of our market towns.

“I’m sure if Councillor King were here she would be raising issues with the animal welfare.

“And just because there are no noise complaints it doesn’t mean there’s no noise either.”

One of the images of the Crowland property in the planning report. Image: SHDC
One of the images of the Crowland property in the planning report. Image: SHDC
There are six kennels at the property. Image: SHDC
There are six kennels at the property. Image: SHDC
The front of 67 North Street. Image: SHDC
The front of 67 North Street. Image: SHDC
Dogs are already kept at the property as the owner holds a licence to breed them. Image: SHDC
Dogs are already kept at the property as the owner holds a licence to breed them. Image: SHDC
The main route to the outside of the property is through a shared access. Image: SHDC
The main route to the outside of the property is through a shared access. Image: SHDC

Couns Andrew Tennant and Gary Taylor also told the committee how ‘shocked’ they were by the photos in the planning report, while Coun Chris Brewis said he was ‘stunned’ by the officers’ recommendation to approve the

application.

Planning officer Daniel Allen informed councillors that French Bulldogs were predominantly being bred at the property, with between five and ten litters being born each year.

Development manager Mark Simmonds added that it is ‘not unusual’ for a licence not to tie in with planning in this way.

However, the committee wasn’t convinced by the application and unanimously voted in favour of refusing permission.



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