Plans for Iolanda Kennels to breed German Sheperds at Walsoken farm turned down by West Norfolk Council

Plans to breed German Sheperds at a farm with “historic animal welfare issues” have been turned down due to worries about the noise they will make.

Michelle Wade had applied to build various outbuildings for kennels and a static caravan at Sibley House and Farm in Walsoken.

This came as part of a bid for the Iolanda Kennels business to set up a new residence on the site, with the company having been running for more than 40 years.

A business plan submitted by Julie Collins to West Norfolk Council said she hoped to rent a space at the farm “to reestablish the Iolanda Kennels GSD showing, training and ethical breeding program”.

However, the borough council’s planning officers recommended that the proposals be turned down due to a lack of evidence that the noise the dogs make can be controlled.

In a report, officers said: “The concern that planning officers have in this case is that there is insufficient evidence and detailed plans showing pre-emptive mitigation measures (such as site layout, boundary and building design and business operations to minimise disturbance from dogs) that prevent the need for reactionary measures (muzzles and attempt to calm already agitated dogs).”

It said no data to establish the potential level of noise had been put forward, while a noise management plan was not submitted.

Officers also said no evidence was provided showing that the needs of the business could not be met using existing buildings on the farm, with concerns about finances also raised.

Furthermore, the application failed tests related to potential flooding at the site.

In her business plan, Ms Collins had said: “To reduce the possibility of excessive noise the dogs will be mentally and physically stimulated individually and as pairs and trios.

“This will be done with exercise, rotation of toys, training, mentally challenging toys, socialisation and interaction with people and other dogs.

“We intend to plant Leylandii trees around the perimeter of the field to help suppress noise travel.”

Ms Collins said she owns four male and eight female German Shepherds, and planned to complete a maximum of five successful matings per year.

Planning reports say Ms Wade was a former employee at Iolanda Kennels and recently became the owner of the company following a bereavement.

It is understood that this resulted in the movement of the business to the application site.

Noise was not the only issue raised about Sibley Farm, however.

Walsoken Parish Council objected to the plans, stating that there are “historic animal welfare issues” at the location.

The authority said that when the present occupants moved in, they owned horses, turkeys and pigs - but one of the pigs had to be “rescued by a neighbour because of welfare issues”.

“They have had major fires burning one large agricultural building down,” the parish council added.

“Complaints have been made regarding the barking dogs 24/7 and we are aware that a complaint was made to the planning enforcement regarding this constant noise pollution.”

The borough council turned down the plans last Thursday.