Council launches a probe into work to set up kennels on Shropshire border
An investigation has been launched by council chiefs amid claims the owner of dog kennels has started work on a new site without planning permission.
Powys County Council has said any work being carried out by Melanie Squires to set up dog kennels in Churchstoke is "unauthorised" and added she could face enforcement action if work continues.
But Ms Squires, of Pleasant View, said she had gone through all the right channels since moving to Powys from her previous base at Kempbrook Farm in Lydbury North, near Bishop's Castle, on January 15.
The proposed development is a change of use to extend domestic curtilage and the erection of two wooden buildings to use for dog kennels and a dog grooming parlour.
Ms Squires said: "I sold Kempbrook Farm and I'm applying for retrospective planning permission. I did a pre-planning application first. I contacted all the right people and my dogs will be supervised."
But Avril York, Powys County Council's cabinet member for planning, said: "We are aware of this development and have started an enforcement investigation as it is unauthorised and requires planning permission.
"The developer has submitted a planning application, which has been validated by the council and will now follow the normal planning process. The application will only be determined once this process has been completed."
