A WOMAN’S application to sell dogs at her home has sparked concerns about third party puppy sales.

The Northern Echo reported on Emily Sutcliffe’s application to change the use of the house in Howden-le-Wear, near Crook, to accommodate her pet shop business in July.

Concerns have since been raised on Durham County Council’s online planning portal, and three people have claimed to have had a bad experience with the business.

The council has confirmed it has received complaints about Ms Sutcliffe from all three people.

The latest, made by Ben McAdam, from Consett, is under investigation.

In her planning statement, Ms Sutcliffe, who has not responded to requests for a comment, stated she was “fully licensed and insured to buy and sell puppies”.

She said: “I am regulated by Durham County Council, therefore I am able to offer litters of puppies from carefully selected licensed and regulated UK breeders.”

She said she only buys puppies over eight weeks old and sells about 12 puppies a month, all of which she said are microchipped, vet checked and up to date with their vaccinations.

The council has confirmed Ms Sutcliffe did have a pet sales licence, but said this had lapsed, although requests for a new one and a breeder’s licence had been submitted.

The licence application is being considered along with the change of use application for the house in Fox Covert Grove.

Michael Yeadon, health protection manager at Durham County Council, said valid planning consent was a condition for granting a commercial breeding licence, adding: “To date, Ms Sutcliffe does not have the necessary consent, hence her previous application was declined.”

Members of the public were given until July 24 to comment on the application after it was uploaded onto the council’s website.

Two people objected, along with the authority’s historic nuisance action team on the grounds of potential noise disturbance.

The other objectors raised concerns on the broader issue of third party puppy sales.

One woman wrote: “Too many dogs in rescue. Pet shops should not be allowed to sell puppies, kittens or any other pets.”