Kennels plan at farm to go ahead despite objections

AFARM business has been allowed to diversify to offer boarding kennels for dogs - despite proposals drawing a mixed reaction from residents.

Roger Taylor-Jackson had asked the council for permission to convert a stable block at the Higher House Farm in Mottram St Andrew.

There is already a cattery and livery for horses on site and he wants to meet the increased demand for kennels caused by the popularity of dog purchases during lockdown.

But five residents objected to the plans raising concerns over noise and traffic generated.

Six residents wrote to Cheshire East Council in support of the kennels.

Mottram St Andre Parish Council also objected, clerk Ronald Taylor said: “The impact of this proposed development on the quality of life of existing residential properties, their occupants and surrounding buildings is significant and warrants refusal.

“The site is close to the Village Hall, The Chapel and the School which would have many of their enterprises disrupted by incessant dog barking.”

The farm is looking to diversify as income from the government’s single farm payment will significantly reduce in the coming years. A report by consultants Fisher German submitted with a planning application for the kennels said the farm had proved it could care for animals safely,

It added: “The increase in dog ownership is evident and more so since the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic.

“New dog owners have not been faced with the reality of holidays as yet with restrictions being in place for some time on travel.

“Once life returns back to some kind of new-normal, there will be an increased demand for boarding kennels and somewhere for dogs to board safe and securely.“

Planners at Cheshire East Council said mitigation measures would ensure noise was not a problem for neighbours and that the kennels ‘would not result in a material change in the volume of traffic generated’.

The council undertook a site visit before approving the planning application, which is a joint one between Mr Taylor-Johnson and Mrs Taylor-Jackson.

“New dog owners have not been faced with the reality of holidays as yet.”