PLANS to convert a barn on a farm near Newtown into five star luxury dog kennels have been lodged with Powys County Council.
Lesley Jarvis has submitted the change of use planning application for the barn at Lower Pengelli Farm which is situated between the villages of Kerry and Sarn.
Planning agent Sam Soden of explained the proposal in a planning statement: “The barn is not required for the ongoing farming operations at the site.
“The barn conversion will contain eight single kennels and two family kennels arranged either side of a central walkway with a utility/washroom and a reception at the front.”
Dog runs would be created inside the barn and the kennels will be operated by Mrs Jarvis who resides in the farmhouse at the site.
Mr Soden added: “Due to the nearest residential property being 250 metres away to the northeast, the proposal will not result in a detrimental impact through noise and disturbance and there is also sufficient parking for 10 cars within the site.”
The application includes an outline business plan from Mrs Jarvis which explains how the facility would operate and its target market.
Mrs Jarvis said: “The business name is: Pen-y-Paws Retreat.
“The vision is to offer luxurious kennel accommodation which isn’t currently available for dog lovers looking to place their beloved pet into holiday accommodation whilst they themselves have a break away.”
Mrs Jarvis has also conducted market research and believes there is a “lack” of kennel accommodation in the area that offers this level of comfort.
Mrs Jarvis said: “The traditional caged kennel does not appeal to the majority of the dog loving owners market.”
She believes that people would be willing to drive for 90 minutes from their homes to ensure their dog receive this type of accommodation and service when they go on holiday.
Mrs Jarvis said; “The holiday for the dogs would offer the pet owner confidence in knowing their beloved pet was having a fun time away and that it was something the dogs enjoyed and looked forward to and not dreaded.
“The farm site offers ample parking in a secluded area for not only housing these pets but also several fields on its own land therefore not requiring additional land to exercise the resident canines.”
Mrs Jarvis reveals that further down the line grooming dog and puppy training sessions could also be held on site as part of what she called the “Bark Academy.”
A decision on the application is expected by July 29.
