Residents and business owners have joined forces to help quash proposals for a haven for dogs in Banff.
Agent, Mantell Ritchie, applied to Aberdeenshire Council for planning permission to create 10 individual dog kennels with accompanying dog run space, a ‘preparation room’ and a toilet at Blanch Haven, in Banff.
However, the plans have been rejected, after a swathe of local people raised concerns about the potential impact of barking dogs and increased traffic.
Elaine Bunce, owner of Eden Watermill, wrote in a letter of objection: “Part of the appeal of my neighbouring business, Eden Watermill, is the peace and tranquillity of the area in which it is situated.
“The risk of noise pollution of perpetually barking dogs, will put my customers off from sitting outside during the summer months.”
Neighbour to Blanch Haven, David Innes, wrote: “We have lived in the country at our current address for over 20 years primarily for the peace and quiet that it offers us.
“A 10 kennel facility for dogs 100 metres from our house will shatter that peace.
“Being previous dog owners ourselves, we know how much barking and howling dogs can do especially if stressed when separated from their owners.”
Residents also raised concerns about a potential increase of traffic in the area, with neighbour Jacqueline Cameron stating that the location – a minor road approximately 680m west of the A947 Banff to Turriff road – could be dangerous.
She wrote: “The increased volume of traffic to and from Blanch Haven with no passing places on the narrow single road and very poor visibility at the junction, and an increase in traffic would be horrific, not to mention, damage my verge with cars trying to pass each other.”
In planning documents submitted to the council, Mantell Ritchie had promised action to minimise the canine decibel level.
The agent promised, on behalf of its clients Glenda and Gayle Watson, to plant two lines of additional hedge to help minimise the noise.
In planning documents, they added: “This is a very quiet road, so there would be limited vehicular movements, potentially causing dogs to bark.
“The kennels will be manned 24 hours a day and therefore any dogs that are barking would be attended to.
“Dogs generally bark if they either hear noises, for instance road traffic (which is limited as noted above) or if they are being neglected which would not be the case.”
In their refusal, Aberdeenshire Council ruled that the plans would lead to “significant noise pollution and/or nuisance unacceptable to the public or environment.”
