A business owner who shut her salon to open a dog training creche has had her plans scuppered by councillors.
Leah Kellett, who closed Estilo in Darwen Road, Bolton, earlier this month, wanted to transform the property into Paws For Thought, where she could train up to five dogs at a time – but she now faces a big hurdle.
Planning committee members refused to grant Miss Kellet permission to open the canine creche after her neighbours raised concerns about noise created by the dogs barking and smells relating to ventilation issues.
The dog trainer, who said the decision was “unfair”, does not know what she will do now as she has already shut her salon business.
She said: “I closed the salon because I was under the impression that it was going to be approved because it was recommended for approval.
“I’m going to have to try to find another source of income.”
Barbara Raines, who runs the neighbouring Artisan hair salon, and local resident Tina Ghandi spoke against the application at the town hall on Thursday.
After the meeting, Miss Kellett said: “I rectified all the issues with the planning officer who amended the application and recommended it for approval – and it was still refused.
“But there’s a dog grooming salon on the same residential road three doors down.”
Councillors on the planning committee decided the Bromley Cross property would be unsuitable for dog training purposes.
Miss Kellett said she would appeal the decision but will look for an alternative spot.
