Dog care ce ntre open for longer

A doggy day care centre in Barrhead will be allowed to open for longer after winning an appeal.

The Canine Cottage opened its doors in July last year despite having never gained planning permission for its premises in Cogan Street.

In January, the facility was given consent to open for 51 hours a week, despite having asked for 67-and-a-half hours. Planning chiefs had initially granted consent for the building to open between 9am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday, and 9am to 2pm on Saturday.

They claimed those hours would help protect residents from early morning and late-night noise.

But in her appeal, owner Elizabeth Polson said:“Our business involves day care.

“Most people start work at 9am and would need to drop off their pet before 9am, and cannot collect them until after work is finished, usually after 5.30pm.

“To function as a day care we require opening hours from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday as these are the most common work days.

“We cannot function on the hours consented.”

Last week East Renfrewshire’s review body overturned the decision of the Planning Committee.

It means that The Canine Cottage will now open between 8am and 7pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 5.30pm on Saturdays. Ms Polson was also given permission to open until 10pm one day a week.

It came despite objections by neighbours.

Resident Pauline Mackle said:“As far the dog care grooming, I don’t object but during the summer I could hear dogs barking throughout the day.

“I only have limited days holiday but to hear dogs barking when I am trying to relax isn’t very good.

“I suppose the dog grooming wouldn’t be so bad as they are in and out, but I object to the‘party’ and prolonged visits to the premises, purely because of the constant barking throughout the day.”

Local Review Body member Stewart Miller insisted the original planning decision should be overturned.

He said:“I am quite happy that it has got a commercial purpose. I would suggest that the fact the facility is insulated should help the noise levels.”

Provost Jim Fletcher added:“The owners have spent a bit of cash on it. I don’t think it’s visually detracting from the area. It’s actually improving it.”