AN Egremont conservatory could be turned into a dog grooming parlour if the plans are approved by planning officers at Cumberland Council.

The planning application is for a site, which covers an area of 13.73 square metres, in Ellerbeck Barns in the town.

In her application form the applicant, Gemma Waghorn, said the grooming parlour at the detached house would serve the immediate area in and around Egremont and St Bees.

She states: "The intention of a small dog grooming business will utilise the existing door as an entrance.

"I expect some foot traffic for the customers arriving by car, there are already parking spaces directly opposite the entrance.

"I do not foresee any increased traffic up the drive, as the dwelling has an additional parking area at the front of the property for residents to utilise as an alternative."

It is proposed that the working hours would be between two and four per day with provisions made for additional dogs of same household to wait while one is groomed.

Mrs Waghorn states: "These will by appointment only and will be worked on a drop off system so the customer will not be waiting on the premises. They will return for the dog when I have contacted them to do so."

According to the application form the predicted maximum noise levels from clippers and other equipment would be between 55.7 decibels and 80 decibels.

Mrs Waghorn states: "These fall within normal domestic appliance characteristics, so I do not foresee any impact on the neighbours.

"The dog grooming parlour will be staffed at all times by myself, a qualified dog groomer, so would not lead to any noise disruption by unsupervised or misbehaving dog.

"The current waiting list for dog groomers in the area implies a need for additional services.

"The business will generate very little waste, this will be disposed of via commercial waste collection as per guidelines.

"The proposal therefore will have no adverse impact on the land, local amenities or traffic safety or be of any nuisance to neighbours."

In her supporting statement Mrs Waghorn states: "I would like to be able to use this opportunity to serve the immediate area in assisting dog owners in the on-going needs of their beloved pets. Regular dog grooming is an important aspect of the animal’s well-being."