Plans lodged for 'doggy day care' in grazing fields near airport

PLANS have been lodged to use grazing fields in West Parley for a ‘doggy day care’ centre.

Bruce’s Pet Care wants to open a dog day care centre on land south of Christchurch Road.

The business already has 10 operational sites, but wants to use one acre of this land to provide a new centre for up to 40 dogs.

Henry Golland, head of land and planning at Bruce’s Pet Care, noted “there is a clear need for dog day care in the area”, and said “many sites were considered when deciding on this one.”

The earmarked land is greenbelt and enclosed by fencing, and is currently used for horse grazing and exercising.

Bruce’s Pet Care has submitted a planning application to BCP Council requesting permission for the change of use from agricultural land to dog day care.

The pet business has also requested permission for the development of associated buildings and infrastructure.

Proposed layout for the West Parley site (Image: Bruce’s Pet Care)

Mr Golland explained in a planning statement: “The applicant proposes using converted shipping containers as indoor space for the dogs and for staff welfare.

“A small car park will be provided using permeable gravel and/or recycled ‘mud control’ mats for daytime van parking and staff parking.

“The proposed development includes the provision of seven parking spaces for cars and an area of cycle storage.”

Mr Golland also noted the proposed opening hours of 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Bespoke vans, or ‘doggy busses’, would be to collect dogs from the local area in the morning and take them home in the afternoon.

Suggesting the benefits of the scheme, Mr Golland said in his statement: “The proposal will create employment opportunities in the rural economy, with a much lower impact on the openness of the greenbelt compared with other rural employers.

“Many people are unable to have dogs due to restraints - in particular work commitments but also family commitments and disability.

"The services that will be provided by a Bruce’s dog day care centre on this site will enable people who may not otherwise be able to own a dog, due to those restrictions, to have one.”

A decision is yet to be made on the planning application.