Future of Outwell dog breeding business on Basin Road set to be decided as planning committee considers retrospective proposals for kennels

The future of a dog breeding business in a village is set to be decided after it faced an enforcement investigation.

West Norfolk Council took action against the owners of the home in Basin Road, Outwell, which has been turned into a breeding facility for 16 dogs despite not having permission from the local authority.

A retrospective planning application was made subsequently for the kennels at 1 Leige Cottage, which was met with angry objections from locals.

The proposal includes the erection of kennel buildings to the rear of the site, along with a cat building and field shelter.

The business currently has a three-star breeding licence for a maximum of three litters per year.

It has led to a row breaking out among villagers, who have complained that housing 16 dogs on the site would cause “significant disturbance” to neighbours due to the noise of barking animals and would take away from the peace of the countryside.

The parish council also raised concerns, fearing the noise from the kennels could affect the mental health of those living nearby while others worried additional traffic to the site could also lead to problems.

One objector, Michael Crane, described the plans as “ludicrous”, adding: “If the plan is to reduce parishioners’ quality of life then this is the way to do it.”

The applicants have defended their business amid the opposition, arguing they have run a successful breeding operation for 20 years and had not received any complaints in nearby Fenland.

Despite several objections, officers at the council have recommended the application be approved after deciding the mitigation measures in place to limit the level of noise coming from the site were adequate and that the business would not have a “significant detrimental impact” on neighbours.

The final decision will be made by West Norfolk councillors tomorrow.