A scheme for a dog daycare centre on the site of a former garden centre in Llanteg, has been refused by Pembrokeshire planners, in part due to a potential impact on nearby badgers.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Ryan Ennis sought permission for the daycare centre and associated works on land currently used for polytunnels adjacent to Tenby Tourers, just off the A477 at Llanteg.

A supporting statement through agent Gerald Blain Associates Limited said the polytunnels were previously associated with a former garden centre that once occupied the entire site; the remaining polytunnel currently used for informal storage.

It stated: “Operationally, the centre will accommodate a maximum of 10 dogs, operating from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Drop-off times will typically be between 8.30 and 9am, with pick-up between 5 and 5.30pm.”

The scheme includes eight parking and drop-off bays, with three drop off specific bays are proposed to allow additional room for dogs to jump in an out of cars, along with a play area constructed from an animal specific astro turf with a timber close boarded fence.

It added: “The proposed building would replace two large poly tunnels that are individually of comparable length to the proposed building. The building would be erected in place of the southernmost tunnel and the play area constructed on the site of the second tunnel.

“The existing poly tunnels are not visually pleasing and detract from the character of the site. To minimise the visual impact of the development, extensive landscaping is proposed around the development site and at the boundary with the A477.”

It went on to say: “The proposal would create employment for two staff members, including the applicant’s daughter, and generate positive economic impacts through the purchase of materials and the employment of labour during construction. Once operational, the business would continue to contribute to the local economy through ongoing employment.”

Amroth Community Council objected to the scheme on grounds including potential noise impact noises from dogs upset by walkers on an adjacent public path, and biodiversity conservation, the council’s objection saying: “We have been made aware of a registered badger sett located within or very close to the minimum requisite 50m from the development.

“Badgers are a protected species and the sett distance from dog kennels, dog play areas etc is based on legislation laid out in the Protection of Badgers Act, 1992 by the UK Government. Councillors noticed that the application does not reference the sett.”

The application was refused by Pembrokeshire County Council planners on the grounds it was considered there was “no robust justification for the essential need for the proposed development in this countryside location,” and “the application fails to demonstrate that the proposal would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety,” and thirdly it “fails to provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed development would not have a significant detrimental impact on biodiversity, in particular to badger setts”.