A DOGGY day care centre could be opening in the region if planning permission is given to a small business owner.

Lynn Crackett, owner of Betty Kisses Pet Services, is hoping to transform two industrial units in Bishop Auckland into a multi-purpose socialisation and training centre for dogs.

A planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council for permission to change the use of the units located on Nuns Close on South Church Enterprise Park in Bishop Auckland.

In a statement submitted with the application Mrs Crackett said: “The caring for and socialising of dogs during the day while their owners are at work will be the mainstay of our business.

“We are dedicated to making the bond between people and their pets stronger by promoting peak fitness through consistent and exciting new ways to exercise and train pets.

“Our services are geared toward every pet owner who does not have the time to give their animal the exercise, attention and affection it deserves and to those who expect only the very best care for their animals.”

If permission is secured, Mrs Crackett plans to transform the interior of the units to include two active areas, a chill out zone and an area for small dogs. There would also be three quiet rooms and a reception area.

And as well as offering dog day care, the business would also offer dog walking, home boarding, small pet home visits, group and one-to-one training and temperament tests.

Mrs Crackett adds: “We have an established base of both day care and boarding customers as well as those who regularly use us for home visits/dog walking.

“Located off a main road in Bishop Auckland, access to the day care centre is uncomplicated for local commuters to Darlington, Durham and Barnard Castle areas having very little impact on their journey times.”

Members of the public have until Friday, January 12, to comment on the application which can be viewed online at publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/ with reference DM/17/04056/FPA.