Castleford dog kennel proposal faces backlash from neighbours
Plans to open a small dog kennel business from a residential garage in Castleford have sparked objections from neighbours concerned about noise, parking and disruption.
The proposal, submitted to Wakefield Council, would see part of a garage at 1 Fitzgerald Close converted into kennels housing a maximum of five dogs.
The application states the business would operate from the existing detached garage at the property, with no increase in parking spaces and no changes to vehicle access.
Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant say the number of dogs has been intentionally limited.
The design and access statement says: “The client has chosen to limit the number dogs to a modest five, even though there is space for more than this.”
The application also says measures would be introduced to reduce disturbance to nearby residents, including acoustic insulation and a dog collection service designed to minimise traffic movements.
Documents submitted with the application said the applicant is “keenly aware that the building is situated in a housing estate and is taking every step to ensure there will be no disruption to local residents”.
The statement adds that dogs would be collected from owners’ homes and returned in the same way “to keep local disruption to a minimum”.
Noise concerns have nevertheless dominated public feedback submitted to the council so far.
At the time of writing, six objections had been lodged against the application, with residents raising concerns about barking, parking pressures, odours and the suitability of operating kennels from a quiet residential cul-de-sac.
One resident wrote: “This is a lovely quiet street, this would cause a noise nuisance not only with dogs that don't settle, but also with excess vehicles coming and going.”
Another objector said they were concerned about “unacceptable amounts of noise and disturbance from barking dogs”, particularly during evenings and early mornings.
Other residents said parking was already limited in the area, while some raised concerns about waste disposal and the impact on nearby neighbours’ quality of life.
The application says acoustic wall panels, suspended ceiling insulation and additional soundproofing would be installed to reduce noise breakout from the building.
Planning documents also say the applicant believes there is a shortage of local kennel provision and that the business would provide “good quality care”.