PLANS for a new 'community hub' for dog owners in Chester have been given the go-ahead.

Applicants Trimdog Limited submitted proposals to Cheshire West and Chester Council in the event the transformation of the former ice cream store on Mill Street, Handbridge, into a pet supplies shop, a dog grooming business and hot drinks stall, required a change of use.

A council planning officer has now decided that, with no development work scheduled, there would be no need for a change of use, given the site's past as ice cream parlour 'Carte D'Or at the River' and shoe and handbag shop Alec Edwards. The new business, called 'One Lucky Pup', can therefore be set up.

The applicant said: "During the pandemic, dog ownership increased exponentially. The majority of dog groomers in Chester are based in homes where they have limited capacity and the small number of bricks and mortar shops in, and around, Chester are also at capacity with a minimum 6-8 week waiting times for appointments.

"With work-life changing permanently, and more people able to work flexibly, this demand is not going to go away and dog ownership is expected to continue to increase. These 'new' dog owners are also typically families, or individuals, who have not owned a dog before.

"They require more support and advice than seasoned dog owners. A main street presence in Handbridge, on a dog walking route to the Meadows, creates the perfect community hub for dog owners to visit with their pet to seek advice and support and purchase products from the pet shop. They are also more likely to then stay local in Handbridge and spend in the local economy instead of taking their pet to Pets at Home and then spend money in large supermarkets.

"There is also an important need to connect dog owners with other local pet businesses (trainers, walkers, behaviourists, sitters etc) and create a local community of dog owners who can support one another and the proposed development will be at the centre with the space and connections to help co-ordinate this activity."

The new business would sell dog treats, accessories and grooming products, with a small number of tables inside and coffee and cakes available to eat in or takeaway, with about three staff in the shop at any one time.

The dog grooming section of the business would be on a booking only basis.