Dog breeders Julia and George Coate have been refused planning permission to run a large-scale puppy farm unit on farmland at the lower slopes of the Blackdown Hills just below Wellington monument.
Various neighbours to Beacon Lane Farm, Voxmoor, lodged fierce protests to the proposal on grounds of likely noise from the planned 50 dogs, plus puppies.
Officers at the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty headquarters in Hemyock also lodged an objection with Taunton planners on behalf of walkers seeking to enjoy the tranquillity of the AONB, as a right of way to the monument.
Part of the planning decision said:
“The proposed use of land for the breeding of dogs and erection of seven timber kennel buildings would have a damaging visual effect on the natural beauty of the landscape and the scenic beauty of the area. Users and visitors to the Blackdown Hills AONB currently enjoy a peaceful natural environment with little in the way of noise disturbances. The proposed development would result in significant disturbance to the peace and tranquility of the Blackdown Hills AONB and it will harm the amenity of nearby residential properties to an unacceptable degree.”