Doggy day care

DOGS could be in for a treat in Portishead if plans for a new day care centre for pooches get the green light.

A planning application has been submitted to North Somerset Council for change of use of unit four in Old Mill Road, to accommodate a dog grooming parlour and training centre.

A Dogs Day Out wants to offer owners day care facilities for their pets, which will include an optional collection and delivery service.

Plans for the premises show a separate grooming parlour and a large training area, as well as plenty of exercise and play space. There will also be an outside penned area.

The unit would be open Monday to Friday from 7am-7pm and on Saturdays if there is enough demand.

If it receives approval, the venture will create eight full time jobs and six part-time posts immediately, with the potential to increase employment opportunities as the business grows.

The application follows a recent trend of service industries snapping up redundant warehouses in the Old Mill Road area, which is fast becoming a vibrant business and leisure park.

In 2012, The Playport @ Portishead successfully transformed an empty industrial unit into an indoor play centre for children, along with a café and party rooms. A gym and indoor skate park have also received consent to open in former warehouses which are currently undergoing refurbishment.

Portishead Chamber of Commerce president Alex Woodward said: “Any new businesses opening in Portishead is good news for the town and something the chamber is in full support of. It is exciting to see so much interest in a commercial area like this.”