Dog washing unit near beach rejected

North Devon’s dogs may have to go unwashed until they get home from playing on the beach, after plans for a round-the-clock dog washing facility at a car park near Instow were turned down.

A Barnstaple-based company called Dog Wash Express had hoped to create a ‘self-service dog washing unit’ near the coast path and Tarka Trail.

That hasn’t gone down well with some neighbours worried about noise and light disturbance.

The dog washing unit would have had a blow dryer and a television showing advertisements, but according to the company, it wouldn’t be visible from the beach and or obstruct views from nearby properties.

And the blow dryer would only be heard for around two minutes at a time, an estimated five to ten times a day.

Pet owners usually pay to use self-service dog washes, based on the size of the dog, or they pay for the time they use. Facilities such as shampoo, conditioner, sprays, towels, and dryers are provided.

Some businesses also provide clippers and promote it as a DIY grooming service at a fraction of the price of a full professional service.

North Devon Council considered the proposals, which included a shelter enclosure for the unit, two electric vehicle charging points, and CCTV at Sandhills Car Park.

But nine neighbours claimed it would impact the tranquillity of the area, and the council’s environmental health manager said noise would be heard from barking dogs, car doors, vehicles manoeuvring to access the charging stations, and people talking.

They said the noise impact “is likely to be significantly increased as a result of the facilities being lit and accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Instow Parish Council didn’t object to the plans, but said an environmental impact assessment might be necessary to evaluate the potential effects on the local ecosystem from water, soap, and dirt resulting from the facility.

In a comment to the council, one resident claimed South West Water regularly has to resolve blockages in the area.

“I would suggest that nothing more is added to the system here,” they said. “If this is to be allowed where does it stop? There are already three businesses operating in this location. That is sufficient. This is a place where people live not just a beach car park.”

According to the plans, the proposed solar-powered light would turn on at sunset at 33% brightness, switching to full power when motion is detected, but would only light up the car park, EV charging points, and dog wash unit, and not residential properties.

Planning officers from North Devon Council took objections into account and said the principle of development in such a sensitive location was not supported by the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan.

They turned it down.