Great Barr dog grooming parlour set up without planning permission wins support

A garage which was turned into a dog grooming parlour sparking fury among neighbours in Great Barr has received a wave of support – after readers took to social media to comment.

Karen Hall-Yates, of Lammermoor Avenue, Great Barr, originally set up her dog grooming facility without permission and neighbours petitioned against it.

But she argued at a planning committee that the petition was largely not relevant and permission was finally granted.

What were the objections to the dog grooming parlour?

Parking was raised as an objection, but Ms Hall-Yates claimed that photographs taken of cars in the street had “absolutely nothing to do with us”.

She said: “I noticed that this photographs my son’s car, my son’s wife’s car, my other son’s car, our car and our caravan which will be moved from the drive onto the road. I don’t know when that photograph was taken.

“My customers are asked not to block driveways and if possible to park on our drive. The way the photographs have been taken shows two cars and caravan.

“I note that a photograph wasn’t taken in the summer when we had visitors stay with us, and we move the cars into such a position that there was three cars parked on the drive, which is what we propose to do, to allow people who can’t make the distance from the road to the driveway.”

Thomas Brenhan, the main objector on behalf of residents, said: “The applicant quickly changed their garage to a dog grooming facility, not informing council or neighbours.

“They were retrospectively given planning permission after three letters were sent about planning to the applicant – two without a reply.

“This business is causing significant parking for road safety, and highway management, which could not be seen by the planning officer when they visited, because no customers were there.”

One objection also came from Cllr Steve Melia (Lab, Great Barr with Yew Tree).

What did the council decide?

Retrospective planning permission was granted subject to opening hours after officers said that the change of use from a garage into a dog grooming facility would be acceptable and would not cause any significant parking or highway issues

What did people say about the ojections?

Renta, commented: “Leave the lady alone she is just trying to make an honest living some people [are] just like little Hitlers jealous or what and cars can park anywhere as long as they [are] taxed and insured and parked legally.”

But a user named Jocky, said: “My neighbour opened up a busy hairdressing salon in their garage next door without planning permission 15 to 20 customers per day I objected to planning took 6 months permission was refused.”

Another, Annette Reid, said on Facebook: “Needed to book my dogs in with you I have heard nothing but good recommendations, and I suggest a muzzle is needed for [the neighbours].”

Chris Bryant said on Facebook: “Highly recommended, I take me old boy, Stewie, there for a monthly trim and nail clip. The poor thing has knee and hip issues, and the way Karen goes about the job in hand is top notch. Poor old Stewie comes out looking and feeling great.”

Debbie Morgan added: “Can’t you do cats as well… looks very professional. Well done you. Keep up the good work.”

Stephanie Wheale said: “Karen is an excellent groomer and lady. She goes above and beyond. My dog is hard work but that does not stop her.”

And Sam Harding said: “I think the dog parlour is a faboulous idea. Three of the shops opposite used to be used by Electrolux, folks used to moan about cars back then, most are now studio flats. I wish the business all the very best.”

Helen Weedon said: “The neighbours should count themselves lucky. Mother, who lives 300 yards down the road, had a brothel next door to her!”

And in a final message of support Tracey Howard said: “Leave her alone for goodness sake. A lady with initiative and turns her own garage into that of a grooming parlour, well done sweetheart.”

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