Deeping St James dog training centre plan rejected over barking concerns

A dog lover’s dream of converting her land into a training and exercise centre for pooches is in tatters after councillors rejected the plan.

Sue Russell, of Eastgate in Deeping St James, was told the noise from barking pets would be too much for neighbours, some of whom lived just 16 metres away.

Mrs Russell had applied for permission to change the use of her paddock near Back Lane to provide an open fenced area for obedience and agility classes.

She also wanted to knock down the existing stables and create a car park with 14 spaces.

Speaking at a meeting of South Kesteven District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (September 30) she said there was a demand for such venues as dog ownership had soared during the pandemic.

People could either book a slot to walk their dog in a safe space, or undergo supervised training with their pets.

“This represents a superb opportunity to let off steam safely, for both human and canine,” she added.

Mrs Russell also stressed that there would only ever be eight dogs on the site at any one time, and that she would offer refunds and ask owners to leave if their pets barked incessantly.

She was backed by another member of the public, Laura Liddaman, who said it was better for everyone if dogs were properly trained.

She told councillors: “This can only be a positive contribution to the local dog-owning and non-dog-owning community.”

However, the application was overwhelmingly rejected by committee members with eight voting against it and one abstaining.

It emerged that 77 letters of objection had been written in response to the plans, with just three in favour.

Coun Phil Dilks (Ind, Deeping St James) said he had been contacted by a number of residents, including one elderly widow who was concerned that the peace and tranquility of the area would be shattered at a time when she relied on it.

“I live next door to one dog which is ‘interesting’,” Coun Dilks said. “I can’t imagine what it would be like with eight barking at once.

“This would spoil a much-loved asset in our community.”

Councillors agreed the application would have a detrimental impact on the area and voted against the planning department's recommendation to approve it.