PLANS have been lodged for a new dog day care centre to meet ‘surging’ demand.
The new facility has been earmarked for the land at Home Farm off Christchurch Road in Hurn.
Home Farm Hurn Ltd seeks to use the existing barn and stables at the site to provide an indoor dog care centre.
The applicant also wishes to host puppy classes, and behavioural and training classes within an enclosure on the farm, and has plans to offer a paddock for private rental by dog owners.
If approved, the centre would be managed by the applicants, one of whom is said to have been operating as a dog behaviourist and trainer for more than four years.
A planning statement prepared by Ken Parke Planning Consultants on behalf of the applicant argues the centre would provide a “much needed and important service for dog owners”.
It reads: “The applicants have identified a need for this type of service in the area following the surge in demand for dogs during the Covid-19 lockdowns, as there exists very little in the way of proper provisions for dog day care, postlockdown.”
Home Farm Hurn Ltd also says it has been contacted by a “leading dog charity” who wishes to work them to provide individual training sessions with dogs for fostering or adoption on site.
The planning statement continues: “The applicants seek to help both dogs and dog owners in this post-Covid era to support the charity’s work and to help avoid further behavioural issues by providing a full day care service in a safe and secure environment, as well as providing training, socialisation and fun for dogs, with a range of stimulating and sensory activities in designated indoor and outdoor spaces.”
Provisional operating hours for the dog day care centre have been given of 8am to 6pm, with exceptions to allow for drop offs and pickups.
A gravelled car parking area would be provided in between the barn and enclosure.
The site is described as having a “fully secure and safe” area for the dogs, with a gated entry system and fencing.
A decision is yet to be made on the application.
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