DOGS may soon have a new place to learn and play in Renfrew if fresh plans for a daycare and training centre are given the green light.

Proposals have been lodged to develop the facility at a vacant building in Orchard Street, which formerly housed kiltmakers Mackay & Stewart Ltd.

The plans have been submitted by Angela McArthur, who is hoping to start up the business after receiving training at a dog daycare centre in Stirling.

It is proposed the centre will be made up of 11 rooms alongside a garden for small groups of dogs to use.

The rooms will include a “chill-out zone” for older and less active dogs, a nap area, an office, storage, reception and separate zones for different sizes of dogs.

It is also proposed the centre will offer a pick-up and drop-off service for dogs in a bid to limit disruption around the area.

In supporting documents for the application, Ms McArthur said: “I have completed training at Safe Paws in Stirling, who are a successful dog daycare and have been open since 2010.

“As part of the training I learned how to implement a “no bark” policy and we will be operating this at our facility, meaning noise should be kept to a minimum.

“We anticipate we will be granted a license for up to 25 dogs. We do not intend for all 25 dogs to be on-site at the one time as dogs will receive adventure walks off-site. Therefore, a group of six to eight dogs at any one time will be out of the building.

“We intend to offer a pick-up and drop-off service for dogs to limit the number of people arriving at the premise. However, the building is located on a very quiet street with ample street parking directly outside the building.”

The suggested opening hours for the business are 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

It is anticipated the centre will have the equivalent of three full-time staff on-site daily, including the director.

A decision is set to be made on the application before the end of next month.
Residents can made a comment on the application by visiting the Renfrewshire Council website.

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