Owner of dog swimming pool, Canine Dip & Dive, in Pakenham, near Bury St Edmunds, issues appeal to find new home amid planning row

The frustrated owner of an award-winning dog swimming pool has appealed to find a new location after being told the current one is ‘too close’ to a historic windmill.

Andy Brownlie, who owns Canine Dip & Dive dog-friendly swimming pool next to historic Pakenham Windmill, near Bury St Edmunds, said he has ‘had to admit defeat’ in his bid to erect the temporary pool again, next year.

The dog pool was at the location between April and October this year and proved popular for dog owners.

In March, however, the business had to apply to West Suffolk Council for change of use permission after being told the land was classified as agricultural.

Despite more than 100 comments in favour it also received objections from the council’s conservation officer and Historic England, who felt the pool is ‘somewhat at odds’ with the setting of the historic mill, which is grade II* listed.

Mr Brownlie said: “They’ve pretty much told me it won’t get through so I am now looking for a new location.

“It’s just crazy. Since we have been here, we have helped raise awareness and money towards the upkeep of the windmill, which is on the at risk register, trade to the windmill shop has increased, to the village shop, pub and B&B, and we have even had celebrities come to visit, apart from people from all over the UK.

“We’ve also have had 117 comments in favour on the planning portal.

“We offered to move to the other side of the meadow and its still ‘no’. It feels like hitting your head against a brick wall.”

Canine Dip & Dive moved to Pakenham from Otley College, Suffolk, in April this year.

The business also has franchises Wymondham, Norfolk, Maldon, Essex and Plymouth, Devon,

Mr Brownlie added: “The windmill invited us here and it seemed like the perfect site.

“Bury has been named the most dog-friendly town in the UK, and in the same awards ceremony, we were name best dog day out, something we have won for the last eight years.”

The business wanted to erect the temporary 32ft by16ft by 4ft (1.2m) outdoor swimming pool for dogs between April and October each year.

The area would be fenced by approximately 4ft fencing - to keep dogs under control - totalling approximately 80ft by 35ft with pedestrian access gate at one end.

A statement by West Suffolk Council conservation officer reads: "Due to location, elevated position, and appearance of the pool the proposals will appear as an incongruous and conspicuous addition adversely affecting the setting of the grade II* listed building proving contrary to policy DM15 causing harm to its significance.”

Historic England said in its objection: “The grade II* listed Pakenham windmill was constructed in 1831 and is a fine example of brick tower mills of the period and contains important machinery and fixtures.

“The pool is therefore somewhat at odds with the setting of the mill and visible in it, so we are concerned by the possible visual impact and suggest a relocation might be of benefit.”

However, the organisation added: “On the basis the proposals do not involve physical alterations to the mill the harm is considered to be less than substantial harm."

Pakenham Parish Council had no objection.

Mr Brownlie said on social media: “As you know we've been battling West Suffolk planning dept all year to stay at the windmill.

“It’s with great sadness, we have to concede defeat. They still refuse to let us stay anywhere near the windmill so once again we're on the hunt for a new home.

“Ideally we're looking between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket but anywhere within a reasonable distance will be considered.

“If you know of somewhere suitable please let us know.

“It must be flat, access to water and electric plus parking and have the necessary permissions with the council. Ideally an existing commercial site.

“We thought we'd found a plot of land to buy but it didn't work out.

“Thank you in advance for your help and let's hope we can find a permanent home.”

A spokesman for West Suffolk Council, said: “No decision has been made on this retrospective planning application, however an objection from the Council’s conservation officer has been received, along with concerns form Historic England due to the Canine Dip & Dive location being in the curtilage of the grade II* listed Windmill.

“The local planning authority officers have raised this with the applicant and are actively working with them to discuss whether a location that may be less harmful to the setting of the listed building can be found, ensuring the business can continue to benefit the local community and economy whilst raising funds for the preservation of the windmill.

“If solutions to these matters cannot be found the application would be presented to the Council’s Delegation Panel and likely to Committee in due course.

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