A DOG grooming and rehoming business is looking to make improvements by applying for permission for a change of use of buildings at their Brynaman premises.

In plans submitted by P Wilson of Walkies Dogs, 20 Brynbach Road, Brynaman, permission is sought to provide facilities for ‘care and well-being of dogs’ by providing grooming, training and the rehoming of a small number of dogs.

The application involves retention of minor works that have been carried out on stables on the property by changing part of the structure to kennels. It also proposes to use a former BT van for dog grooming and the dwelling for consultation with dog owners and the keeping of six small dogs for rehoming. Two fields to the east would be used for dog walking.

A previous application for the change of use from tables to kennels had been refused by the council on the grounds that noise levels were likely to adversely affect the amenities of neighbours.

In their current application, the management say they would ensure that the development would be appropriately run to ensure that the site would be run and operated safely and importantly that no noise harm would adversely affect the quality of life for surrounding residents.

This would include walking and feeding dogs after 9am during the week and after 10 am at weekends. Other precautions would include covered sight lines from kennels to dog walks and limited re-homing and dog grooming access for clients.

The applicant also claims that ‘local volunteers support the development and lower income families with dogs benefit from a fiscal system of exchange and loans of dog food’ and that ‘in this way the development supports community cohesion among the village community.’

They also submit that the area has a dense occupation of dog-owning homes.