BRIDPORT: FURRY visitors could be descending on the Symondsbury Estate after an unusual application was submitted for a 'doggy day care' centre.

Details about the planning application for the centre show they have been submitted by Sir Philip Colfox on behalf of the Symondsbury Farm Estate, but business owners and former Colfox School pupils Kitti Dickson and Kieran Sherring intend to run the business if permission is granted.

Named 'Kitti's Doggy Day Care', the building, which is currently situated on the Sheepwash Barn site, is billed as “a cross between a crèche, a play scheme and a day-centre for canines of all ages”.

According to details in the planning application the business would open from 8am to 7pm seven days a week including bank holidays, and could create three jobs.

However, some residents of nearby Shear Plot objected to the fact that building work has already taken place without planning permission.

One resident said: “This cannot be viewed as a planning application - the single storey building was erected well before Christmas, the site has been cleared and an outside yard with some enclosed pens has been made.

“It makes a mockery of our democratic planning process and laws.”

Another resident voiced concern over what they perceived could be 'constant noise from the dogs barking', suggesting any noise could be 'intrusive' to mourners at the nearby cemetery.

A spokesperson from WDDC's planning department confirmed the application was 'part-retrospective', saying: “The application is for change of use and building works.

“My understanding is that the building works have been carried out but the use not commenced so would be part retrospective. We visited the site on January 16 and there were no dogs there then.”

Mr Sherring said of the proposed business: “When we were given the go-ahead by the landlord we were a bit naive regarding the responsibilities towards local authority administration, so we got a bit ahead of ourselves.”

The pair added that while they appreciated they may have “jumped the gun” with their eagerness, they hope that their application to WDDC will get local backing.

Miss Dickson, who was born in Symondsbury and has previously been a kennels manager, stressed the business would not be kennels and would only open during the day, extending hours to enable pet owners to collect their dogs after work.

“Most dogs in big kennels don't get much individual attention [and] this is what got me thinking there must be alternatives to their care; whether it's younger ones wanting to play or older ones wanting cuddles and a bit of peace.

“For the dog owners that need just a day's care at a time, so their dogs aren't home alone, kennelling is a stressful option. We're creating a purpose-built environment dedicated to the differing daily needs of dogs in our care,” she said.

Miss Dickson added the proposal has been welcomed by many potential users, and provisional bookings from pet owners “are very optimistic”.

Plans can be viewed by searching on West Dorset District Council's planning page at dorsetforyou.com