By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors will not decide whether a dog grooming business can be created at a Selston home until after they have visited the site to assess concerns with road safety and noise.
Ashfield District Council’s planning committee deferred the application, at 90 Nottingham Road, when councillors met on Wednesday (February 23).
It followed discussions over the potential safety risk of cars entering and exiting the business, which would be located within a garage extension at a residential home.
The site is also near the entrance to Selston High School and close to a sharp bend.
A councillor on the committee said the area can be unsafe during peak school drop-off and pick-up times and believed the business did pose a safety risk.
Councillors were also told the architects behind the scheme submitted late amendments to the site layout which were “incorrect”, with the measurements and layouts not an accurate description of the site.
The authority’s planning department and Nottinghamshire County Council, the highways authority, still viewed the plans as appropriate for approval.
But councillors wanted more time to view the amended plans and to take a visit to the site during peak hours.
The meeting also heard from a resident who raised concerns over the development and its impact on the area, fearing the business would bring “yapping dogs” six days a week and cause a “nuisance” to neighbours.
Michelle Bell, the objecting neighbour, also believed the incorrect site drawings should render the plans “invalid”.
She said: “My garden backs onto the applicant’s garden and my patio area is a few metres away from the proposed conversion.
“There would be yapping dogs throughout the day, six days a week. This could cause a statutory nuisance if not controlled.
“We also have concerns over vehicles coming and going, and the additional noise from banging doors. This will also have an impact on the enjoyment of our gardens.
“While we agree there is a need for employment in the area, there are many empty shops in local villages and town centres that would be more suited to this type of venture.
“Our high streets are crying out for units to be filled and for shops to be brought back into use.”
Councillors agreed with many of Ms Bell’s concerns during the debate.
Cllr Rachel Madden (Ash Ind), who represents Annesley and Kirkby Woodhouse, said: “I’m very familiar with where this property is and I have extreme concerns with highways safety and the impact on neighbours.
“I’d like to second the proposals for deferment and to make sure all interested parties are consulted thoroughly before we bring it back.”
Cllr Arnie Hankin (Ash Ind), who represents Selston, added: “I travel up and down that road 50, 100, maybe even 150 times a week, and I’ve never seen it quiet.
“What concerns me tremendously is the parking outside near school time is absolutely horrendous. There are events at the school at all different times and I’m amazed there is no suggestion of there being anything wrong.
“Let’s have a look at this again and give residents time to mull it over.”
He called for the site visit to be conducted either in the morning or between 3pm and 3.30pm to view what the road is like at peak times.
The committee unanimously backed the deferral and for the site visit to take place.
