New dog grooming parlour approved for Murton

Plans were lodged in 2020 to change the use of an office space at 6-7 Woods Terrace East in the County Durham village.

This included a new layout with a freestanding dog bath, holding bays and “sound reducing measures” such as acoustic blinds.

Following consultation, Durham County Council’s planning department approved the application on December 17, 2020.

In a decision report, planners said the change of use would not have any negative impacts on the local shopping centre.

After assessing information provided by the applicant, the council’s environmental health officer also concluded that the development was unlikely to cause a “statutory nuisance.”

The decision report went on to say: “The proposal relates to an existing and established retail unit within the designated local centre of Murton which is easily accessible by a variety of sustainable modes of transport.

“In turn, the application site is situated within a recognised pedestrian and bus route only access area.

“Changing the use of the unit would not create any adverse impacts upon the shopping centre [nor] will the loss have a detrimental impact upon the viability of the shopping centre.”

Under planning conditions, the development must be brought forward within the next three years.

Approved opening hours also include 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday and 9am to 2pm on Sundays.

It is the latest such enterprise approved in the area, and the industry continues to grow worldwide, with a proliferation of dog groomers, pet-friendly cafes and other such businesses in the North East

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