Controversial dog breeder's bid is approved

Cockapoo breeder Jacqui Hamer has been granted a certificate of lawfulness to breed animals at her home in Normoss Road, Blackpool.

She had previously put in, and later withdrew, a full planning application to convert her garage but the certificate means she no longer needs planning permission.

Ms Hamer, of Jay Doodles, faced opposition to her plan after it was revealed she was suspended from the Cockapoo Club of Great Britain following a single complain over animal welfare. The club said it was taking the complaint seriously, while Wyre Council said the RSPCA had investigated a number of times and had ‘never found any evidence of cruelty/sustained neglect or abuse’.

Around 50 objections were lodged with planners.

Malcolm Howarth, of Mill Lane in Poulton, said it was ‘heartwarming to see so much public response to this application’ and said he was opposed to the bid. Ms Hamer’s neighbour, Emma Norbury, said she ‘strongly’ objected, adding: “The houses and gardens are all within close proximity to each other, making it an unsuitable position for such a noisy and potentially disease-spreading business.”

Sue Lester, also of Normoss Road, said breeding is ‘notoriously noisy, odorous’, and said it ‘attracts vermin, rodents and flies’. She added: “I trust the authorities have noted the local neighbourhood response by the amount of objections...

“This provides an accurate gauge to the negative impact the kennels/breeding facilities would have...”