Leadgate shed to become dog grooming salon as plans approved

Jade Rowlandson has obtained planning permission for the change of use of the shed at her home in Leadgate, Consett, into a dog grooming room after Durham County Council green lit the proposal on March 2.

The decision follows retrospective work that was carried out between October and November 2025.

Her venture will operate on an appointment-only basis, with a strict limit of grooming three dogs a day.

Any dog in her care will be within business hours of 9am to 5pm, five days a week, but not on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Clients are also instructed to adhere strictly to their time slots, and walk-ins are not permitted.

All proceedings must take place with the windows and doors closed, to avoid noise complaints, and a constantly updated client register is to be maintained and furnished to the council as needed.

One neighbouring resident supported the proposal, appreciating it as a “tidy, well-managed business with minimal disruption” that enriches the area without compromising its character.

Both the council’s Highway Officer and Environmental Health department noted that the business is likely to have no adverse effect on the community, including highway safety or noise levels, so long as it remains small-scale and daytime operation only.

Should Ms Rowlandson choose to relocate, the shed-turned-dog-grooming room will have to be converted back for residential use.