Kim Smith, of Tails at Seaham Grange, submitted the plans to transform the 75-square-metre vacant unit, which is part of Byron House on Hall Dene Way, Seaham Grange Industrial Estate.
Previously operating as a pizza takeaway, the unit will now serve as a dog grooming salon, with minimal changes to its structure.
The proposed modifications include the installation of a reception desk, a partition wall, and insulated internal walls to control noise.
No external changes will be made to the building.
With two existing parking spaces, the site is deemed sufficient for the new operation, which will operate strictly on an appointment basis for drop-offs.
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The site was reported to have no flood risk and is exempt from biodiversity net gain requirements due to its minimal external impact.
The new dog grooming salon will operate under certain conditions to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
These conditions, set by the council, include a limit of two dogs on-site at a time, with up to seven appointments daily, strictly by appointment only.
To avoid congestion, there will be a minimum of 10 minutes between appointments.
Operating hours will be from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, with the salon remaining closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
To comply with residential amenity guidelines, internal soundproofing will be installed to reduce noise from the dogs.
Approval for the change of use was granted on January 6, with the development required to commence within three years of the approval date.
The salon will be partitioned into salon and storage areas, with a dog grooming bath, washing machine, and dryer installed.
The council noted the project aligns with the County Durham Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework by supporting the economic use of the unit, including job creation.
No objections were raised by 31 neighbouring businesses and residents, and the traffic generated by the new salon is deemed lower than other industrial uses.