'Luxury' dog boarding hotel to open in city centre

Plans for a "luxury dog hotel" have been given the green light.

Sunderland City Council's planning department approved the application for 8-9 Murton Street in the city's Hendon ward.

Concerns had been raised by the environmental health team in terms of drainage, noise and odour, however the council's decision report said the smell would be managed through the use of pet air purifiers as well as daily cleans of the kennels.

There will also be a fumigation once a month.

The dog hotel will provide day and night care for a maximum of 16 dogs and have six full-time employees and two part-time, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service

As part of the proposals, external works are planned including reintroducing a window to the rear of the building.

Council planners noted the building had previously operated as a nightclub and more recently as a gym and that all the windows had been blocked up.

According to documents, there are plans to reduce noise from dogs outside the facility on arrival and departure.

The decision report stated "any anxious dogs excessively barking will be taken to the owner's home" as they also hold a home boarding licence.

For exercise, up to six dogs will be walked at the same time on a private field.

Under planning conditions, the development must be brought forward within three years.

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