Kennels plan is refused because ‘barking dogs are louder than A50’
A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a boarding kennels has been thrown out because nothing can stop the noise of barking dogs, it was claimed.
An application to house up to 32 dogs in boarding kennels in Bent Lane between Foston and Church Broughton, on a site known as Greenacre, split opinions.
The plan attracted a petition opposing the move signed by 62 people, along with another 45 objections, but there were also 30 letters of support for the scheme.
Church Broughton Parish Council also objected to the plans.
Despite the applicants planning to install “acoustic fencing” around a proposed outdoor exercise area, the main concerns related to the potential noise that the dogs in the kennels would make.
Objectors feared they would lose sleep and would no longer be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of their own gardens if the plans were approved.
South Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee discussed the proposal at its latest virtual meeting.
Councillors heard from Dr Andy Marshall, on behalf of 40 residents, who said: “A two-metre high acoustic fence does little to reassure us over noise. “There will be up to 32 dogs barking just a few gardens away.”
A spokesman on behalf of the applicant said its licence only allows two dogs out for exercise at a time and even then only dogs from the same family. He also added a noise assessment recommended the provision of acoustic fencing and concluded that noise could satisfactorily be controlled by the design of the development. However, Councillor Julie Patten, who represents Hilton on the district council, said: “No noise mitigation can reduce the noise of barking dogs.
“There is no proven need for kennels in that area.” Councillor Peter Watson, who represents Aston, had the last word, saying: “I live 1.5 km from the A50 and near there is a dog kennel.
“The noise from the A50 is an erratic light drone. However, the dogs are louder.
“Noise mitigation does not work.”
The planning committee agreed with the planning officer’s recommendation to refuse the application.
No noise mitigation can reduce the noise of barking dogs.