Canine Dip & Dive Pakenham Windmill planning application

Andrew Brownlie, who owns Canine Dip & Dive dog-friendly swimming pool, which is currently located on the site of the Grade II* listed windmill, applied too West Suffolk Council for change of use permission in March after he was informed the land was classified as agricultural. 

Mr Brownlie said the business moved to Pakenham after they were approached by the owners of the windmill, which is on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register.

He said the owners had suggested having the business based there may help them raise much-needed funds towards the building's upkeep.

But an objection from West Suffolk Council's conservation officer, along with concerns from Historic England, have left Mr Brownlie in fear that permission may be refused and he might have to move his business again. 

The conservation officer statement 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.

"On the basis the proposals do not involve physical alterations to the mill the harm is considered to be less than substantial harm."

Andrew Brownlie with one of the dogs (Image: Andrew Brownlie) Mr Brownlie said the process has been "a nightmare" and said he is fearful that the application could now be refused.

"Would they rather us not be there and the windmill collapse because they are not raising funds?" he said.

"We have raised the local economy, we have brought customers to the shop and to the B&B - everybody is benefitting from us being here.

"We have also got numerous comments on the planning application all in support of us staying." 

He said finding a new piece of land that is flat, has access to water and parking facilities by April when the season begins again would be "difficult". 

The site is also home to Pakenham Windmill Country Store which sells everything from animal feed to bedding and equipment.

Pakenham Windmill (Image: Phil Morley/Newsquest) Alan Bryant, who co-owns the site with his sisters, said: "It is obviously a negative to us if the plans are refused because the two businesses there, the store and the pool, are basically made for each other.

"You can't help smiling when you see how happy the dogs are and we have had no formal complaints to us but hundreds of support comments on the planning portal." 

He said he feels the council's thinking can be "too two-dimensional" and added that the conservation officer had not been out to visit the site before writing the comment. 

A West Suffolk Council spokesperson confirmed no decision has been formally made yet as to the approval or refusal of the planning application. 

"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," they said.

"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," they added.