By Don Mort, local democracy reporter
A dog training centre has been allowed to open despite fears barking would disturb neighbours.
A planning application for an exercise space and boarding kennels in Bramley was met with 56 letters of objection.
Dog trainer Jessica Hynam sought permission from Leeds City Council to open the facility on Whitecote Lane.
Fears over noise, road safety and the impact on green belt land were heard by the council’s South and West plans.
Objector Jennifer Pearson said the centre would be too close to people’s homes.
She said: “There are a large number of residential properties in the local area which will be affected by inevitable noise from dogs barking.”
Labour ward councillors Tom Hinchcliffe, Adele Rae and Kevin Ritchie were among the objectors and asked that the application was referred to the panel.
Councillors were told 37 letters of support were also received from people in favour of the new business.
Ms Hynam said she had more than 15 years’ experience of training dogs, including puppies and those entering top competitions.
She said: “With my background and experience I understand how to keep dogs calm and settled.”
Councillors were told the project would see the conversion of an existing paddock, currently used by a Shetland pony called Hope.
The number of dogs at any one time would be limited to eight at the site under planning conditions.
Approval would be given on a 12-month basis to allow any complaints to be monitored.
Planning consultant Joe Flanagan, of ID Planning, said: “This is not a dog exercise field where they are free-roaming.”
Council officers recommended that the project was given outright approval, subject to conditions, at the hearing at Leeds Civic Hall. Councillors granted permission in a unanimous vote.
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