Plans for the expansion of a Pembrokeshire kennels business has been approved by the national park despite neighbour concerns about increased noise.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Nick Willis sought permission for the expansion of an existing kennels/cattery business at Foxcombe House, near Manorbier, with 15 new kennels with dog runs, an office, grooming room, kitchen, and associated facilities.

Three members of the public had raised concerns about the scheme including potential noise nuisance with its expansion of the site, just off the A4139 Tenby to Jameston road.

An officer report said the proposals were an amendment to original plans which proposed an extension into the field adjacent to the A4139, currently used as a small caravan and motorhome campsite.

“Whilst the level of development remains as originally proposed and represents a significant intensification of built development, the proposed location, closer to existing facilities, is considered to better reflect an extension of the existing business rather than a separate part of the business,” the report said.

It added: “Correspondence has been received from three properties in the surrounding landscape, which raise concerns about noise nuisance from the existing kennels and indicate that there is likely to be an increase due to the proposed expansion of the kennel business.

“Officers have consulted directly with Pembrokeshire County Council Public Protection team, who confirmed that no formal noise complaints had been received regarding the existing kennel business.

“It is recognised that there is potential for both the existing business and the proposed expanded business to create a noise impact within the immediate surrounding landscape. However, the nearest properties are 103 metres to the southeast and 64 metres to the west.”

It went on to say: “The proposed business plan states that the existing kennels are soundproofed, and the proposed new kennels will also be soundproofed to limit any noise impact. Obviously, it is recognised that the dogs will not be in the kennels for their entire stay and will require access to the exercise areas daily. These areas are open and could lead to noise impact, but again, the use of the exercise areas will be limited and is considered a necessary part of the business, and is an essential element of the business to keep the animals healthy during their stays at the site.

“As such, given the limited nature of the essential exercise areas and that the proposed kennels are to be soundproofed, sufficient mitigation has been proposed in this instance to minimise any noise disturbance to neighbours.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.

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