CONTROVERSIAL plans to let a dog breeding kennels near St Clears keep running have been put on hold.

The retrospective application to continue to use three outbuildings on Llangynin sheep farm Penparc, by Myfanwy Roberts, of the same address, has been submitted through agents Owen Banks Planning and Development Ltd.

The kennels, which have been running for the past five years, have attracted the concerns of animal welfare organisations, with a protest held on the steps of County Hall prior to last week's planning application.

The 750 sheep farm has 107 breeding bitches and 17 stud dogs, and has no direct sales to the public.

The building has been used as a fully-licensed kennels since 2006.

The application was recommended for approval by county planners at a meeting last Thursday, despite more than 80 objections and an online petition with more than 600 names being submitted.

Founder of local animal welfare group Cariad (Care And Respect Includes All Dogs), Linda Goodman, has previously criticised the application.

"Firstly, this begs the question of how a breeder can be operating with a licence but without planning permission for so many years."

She added: "Puppy farming is a vile business.

"It is a multi-million pound industry that is tarnishing the image of Wales around the world."

Among the objections were concerns about animal welfare and insufficient staff numbers for the amount of animals.

It is also felt that there are too many puppy farms in West Wales, with objectors claiming it harmed the reputation of Wales.

Diversification

While groups like Cariad have criticised the application, the agents insist it is just a form of farming diversification.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Richard Banks, of agent Owen Banks, previously said: "It's farming diversification; the advantages of Penparc is its remote location, there's a lot going for the property, if you're going to site one anywhere then Penparc is ideal.

"When other cases have gone before the planning committee it has recognised it's a valid form of diversification."

At Thursday's meeting, local member Roy Llewellyn proposed a site visit.

Mr Llewellyn, county councillor for Llanboidy, said: "I've noted the objectors' points; in all fairness to the protestors and the applicant I think we need a site meting here to clarify quite a few of the points made by the protestors and the applicant."

Members agreed to hold a site visit at Penparc, which is likely to take place on Tuesday.

Speaking after the meeting, Richard Banks, of Owen Banks Planning, said the site visit would be welcomed.

"There's nothing to hide in terms of working practices; it's a very well-managed and clean dog breeding kennels.

"The applicants welcome that sensible approach, both parties' arguments can be put forward."

He added: "What I am arguing is they maintain their focus to look at the planning issues."