A PLAN to create dog breeding kennels and nine dog runs in a small Tees village has led to objections.

Stockton Borough Council's planning officers have recommended the planning committee approve a retrospective application to to extend an existing building and convert stables at Springfield Stud on Wynyard Road in Thorpe Thewles, north of Stockton.

However, Grindon Parish Council and eight members of the public have objected arguing the breeding kennels will be noisy and disturb cats at a long-established nearby cattery.

The site is close to the junction with the A177 by-bass and the retrospective plan is for a single story extension to provide the kennels and dog runs. The owners also want to convert a stables into managers' accommodation and change the use of another building to form five private stables.

Permission is also requested for a dog isolation unit and a paved 'hardstanding' area as well as eight breeding kennels and car parking.

Planning officers have conducted a formal inspection with a veterinarian often used by the council.

The council report said: "It is thought the veterinarian will strongly recommend a 24 hour on site presence in her report.

"It was also mentioned that the dogs barking were causing a nuisance at the cattery over the road and on the other side of the valley.

"For your information the veterinarian did say that if a cat was in close proximity to a dog it may suffer some stress but this would be if it was in the site line or the dog was barking in a kennel in the same complex."

The council's planning officer's report to the committee recommended approval.

It said: "The principle of the development of an animal breeding kennels and associated activities in this location is considered to be acceptable, given that the associated activity and noise in close proximity to established residential areas would not be compatible."

Grindon Parish Council has objected. The parish authority said: "Development such as this should be located within or adjacent to urban areas as the rural location does not reduce the need to travel by car."

Eight letters of objection have been received from villagers saying that the design is poor and would cause litter and traffic problems. Two letters of support highlighted job creation opportunities. One said: "This is five star luxury breeding establishment, unlike the puppy farm which is costing the Government thousands to shut down on a regular basis."

Stockton council planning committee will meet on Wednesday, May 4 in Stockton Central Library at 1.30pm.