DESPITE complaints over barking dogs, parish councillors have raised no objections to a new kennel business in the Allen Valleys.

Retrospective planning permission is being sought for the construction of a stable block, and dog kennels at Blackcleugh Bastle, Swinhope, Sparty Lea.

Applicant Rob Rogers says the stables and kennels were initially constructed several years ago for equestrian purposes.

But Mr Rogers told Allendale Parish Council that his horse breeding and training enterprise had declined as a result of the recession.

Mr Rogers said he is now diversifying into dog breeding.

The application has yielded a small number of objections, with one member of the public attending last Thursday’s parish council meeting. He raised concerns over parking provision and access, noise from barking dogs and dog waste in the area.

The objector also claimed that an earlier application for a horse breeding business at the site in 2005 had been rejected.

Mr Rogers, who insisted that the earlier application had been approved on appeal, said: “We live in the area; we don’t commute and we bring people into the area. We have sold 46 puppies this year and believe we have a viable business.”

He insisted that parking provision is provided, and that customers are told where to park in advance.

He also referred to a noise survey which he claimed demonstrated acceptable noise levels.

Parish council chairman Robert Phillipson, who has been on a site visit to the kennels, said: “There were no dogs barking when I made my way there.

“When you go inside the building, they do bark, but when you leave they stop.

“It would be setting a precedent if we object to this. We should be supporting businesses in the Allen Valleys.”

Councillors agreed to a formal response of ‘no objections.’