A Blackrod dog groomer must stop operating from an outbuilding at their address in the town after a decision by the Planning Inspectorate.

The council took action against business owner in the form of a notice after they operated without planning permission on Manchester Road.

Derek Lee, who is understood to be the father of the business owner, appealed against the notice which stated the dog groomer must stop operating from an outbuilding at their address within three months.

He suggested the impact of the change of use was acceptable as there was only one employee who saw four dogs a day, four days a week.

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But on September 6 this year Planning Inspector Elaine Gray threw out the appeal on the basis of the behaviour of the dogs outside the site.

Ms Gray said: "The Noise Management Plan highlights the difficulties in managing the behaviour of the dogs. It says: 'It is thought the barking and crying of dogs is likely to be unavoidable regardless of any management plan.' Notwithstanding the operator's abilities the handover of dogs to a stranger in unfamiliar surroundings is likely to elevate levels of anxiety in dogs on occasions. 

"Even the dogs who are brought regularly for grooming may be excitable depending on their nature. I am therefore not convinced the noise from the dogs can be controlled."

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Mr Lee appealed against the requirement to stop operating within three months and against the requirement to remove all equipment associated with the business from the site.

The first of these was refused but the second of these was allowed, removing the requirement to remove all equipment associated with the business from the site as long as it is used for a personal purpose.

Ms Gray said: "I appreciate the difficulties involved in relocating a business. 

"However, the appellant has not provided any evidence to support the claim alternative sites are unlikely to be available within the timescale."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.