Dog Breeding Kennels in Blaenau Gwent opposed 21,000 to move forward after council’s decision was overturned by planning inspector

Protesters against plans for dog breeding kennels in Ebbw Vale gather outside council offices. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

But Blaenau Gwent council’s decision to reject the scheme in October has now been overturned after an appeal was lodged.

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Vanessa Waddon, founder of the charity Hope Rescue which opposed the scheme, said the news would be a “huge disappointment” for thousands of people.

In his report, Planning Inspector Paul Selby said he had not “underestimated the strength of feelings” of those who opposed it – but said welfare concerns being an animal were not a planning consideration.

“My attention has been drawn to the issues associated with third-party sales on ‘puppy farms,’ which are at the center of potential legislation dubbed ‘Lucy’s Law,'” he said.

“However, such ethical and moral considerations are not important to this planning decision.”

LR – Hope Rescue founder Vanessa Waddon, counselor Lisa Winnett and Alison Jakob, a Hope Rescue volunteer

Lucy’s Law is new legislation, named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescued from a breeding farm in Wales, prohibiting the sale of puppies to third parties, intended to eradicate so-called “dog farms”. puppies”. It comes into force in England this month – and although it remains to be confirmed when it will come into force in Wales – it has been backed by Blaenau Gwent Council.

Mr Selby also said there was no indication the building was ‘insufficiently constructed’ that the welfare of the dogs could not be ensured.

“Therefore, there is little risk that allowing the appeal will harm the reputation of the region or of Wales, as some have claimed,” the report said.

Councilors were warned by planning officers that the plans were rejected on animal welfare grounds and instead cited the visual impact of the development on a special landscape area as the reason for their rejection.

But Mr Selby said the kennels would have ‘minor visual impact’ and concluded the use was ‘not seen as inappropriate in its context’.

Approval is however subject to conditions, including that no dogs will be bought or sold on site and that the number of dogs will not exceed 25 at any time.

Protesters against plans for dog breeding kennels in Ebbw Vale gather outside council offices. Picture: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

A claim for costs linked to the council’s decision was rejected, as the inspector said the local authority was able to ‘reasonably substantiate its case’.

Ms Waddon said: ‘We are extremely disappointed with the decision, although we are not surprised as we knew animal welfare was not a significant planning consideration.

“The battle is not over yet, as the applicant still has to apply for a breeding license which will go to the council of Blaenau Gwent.”

The charity, which operates across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent, issued a crisis appeal due to the financial impact of coronavirus with details on hoperescue.org.uk.