A DOG grooming parlour and doggy day care centre could be set up at a property in Tiptree following a new application.

Plans have been submitted to Colchester Council for the change of use from a business and office space to a doggy day care and grooming parlour in Ashley Bungalow, in Newbridge Road, Tiptree.

The newly submitted plans look to transform the 1,800 square metre site into a dog haven which would be open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3.30pm.

The applicant looks to take  on five members of full-time staff at the site, which has parking spaces for five vehicles.

However, within the application, the owner said: “Our business plan projects the creation of six full-time employment roles on the site.”

Until recently, the two small existing buildings were used for small-scale manufacturing and the outdoor space is currently used for horse exercise.

In the plans, it looks to use the outdoor area for dog exercise and to build a new 1.8 metre fence formed of timber posts and wire mesh around the outside exercise area to maintain dog security.

The applicant received advice in the pre-application process on noise mitigation measures.

It was originally proposed to have 25 dogs on-site at the same time but following a review the applicant confirmed they will reduce this number to 15 dogs at any one time.

The business has stated: “Dogs who manifest nuisance barking will not be retained as clients”.

They have also carried out a review of potential noise impact and are looking to take steps to reduce noise.

The applicant said: “It is important to us, and to the reputation of our business, that we do not have an unacceptable negative impact upon our neighbours or the surrounding areas.

“We have, therefore, carefully considered the pre-application advice and incorporated a number of measures to mitigate potential areas of impact.

“These are set out below along with a number of other aspects which we believe to be important considerations in this respect.

“We believe it is important to understand that we are providing active day care, not a kennel facility, and that dealing with nuisance barking is a basic feature of our work as it causes disruption and unacceptable noise in the workplace.”