PLANS to convert a stable outside Oswestry into a doggy daycare facility are now under a consultation period with Shropshire Council.

The application, submitted to planners at the end of last month, is open to public consultation until Wednesday, May 29 and is to change the use of land and a stable to provide a facility to look after dogs in St Martins.

According to a design and access statement included with the proposal, at Malt House in New Marton, there is demand for the facility as people who got dogs during lockdown are now returning to offices.

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It said: “The proposal is to provide dog day care for families who require stimulating care and activities for their dog on a daily basis while they are at work.

“There is a huge demand for this type of facility since the Covid pandemic as people who acquired dogs while isolated at home now find there is a difficulty in caring for their pet now they have returned to work.

“The centre will be run by the applicant’s family and will make use of a redundant stable block and part of their land holding to provide an exercise and training area.

“The site is located in the settlement of New Marton which is closely associated with the large village of St Martins, it will remain largely unchanged preserving the rural nature of the site.

“There is a good existing secure access with electronically controlled gates.”

It added: “Our goals are to provide dogs with socialisation and enjoyable activities, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring their wellbeing and happiness.

“The business will cater for a maximum of 10 dogs on site at any one time, all dogs will be assessed for their suitability to bond with other dogs before any booking is accepted in order to keep noise to a minimum.

“The applicant’s son has completed a three-year course studying Animal Care and Management, achieving a Level 2 in Technical Animal Care and has progressed to a Level 3 Technical Advanced Technical Diploma and will be fully qualified to effectively manage the business.”

It will open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for drop off and pick up times, there will be no facilities offered on Saturday or Sunday and Bank Holidays.

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It added: “Additionally a dog taxi service will be provided to help minimize traffic movements and to cater for customer needs.

“The site has an existing dedicated water supply adjacent to the stable block.”

For more head to Shropshire Council’s planning portal and search 24/01599/FUL.