The owner of a doggy daycare centre who was prevented from reopening at her original site due to a planning refusal has submitted a new application to share an amateur shooting club’s building.
Koko’s Canines owner Kumiko Orlandini has submitted a new planning application to open her business in the Leoville Rifle Club in St Ouen.
The building is currently used as a clubhouse and rifle range by the Leoville Sports and Miniature Rifle Club.
But, according to the planning application, the rifle club is seeking additional income after membership declined during the pandemic.
The premises are now unused during the week, so the shooting club has offered its building and car park to be used as a dog daycare centre between 10:00 and 15:00 on weekdays.
The planning application states that Koko’s Canines would not open on weekends or on public holidays, and there would be a maximum of 30 dogs cared for on the site at any one time.
Customers would not attend the dog daycare service, according to the application – which explains that pets would be brought to and from the site in dedicated doggy buses.
“Supporting young entrepreneurs is essential for the future of Jersey”
Submitting the application, Ms Orlandini said: “Supporting young entrepreneurs is essential for the future of Jersey.
“If we want to set the best example for the next generation, support is critical.
“My business is not just a livelihood; it is a service that enhances the community and promotes responsible animal care.”
She added: “I am determined to keep fighting for my business and to continue contributing to the community, but I cannot do this without your support.
“Let’s work together to create a future where young people can thrive and small businesses are valued and encouraged.”
If her planning application was approved, the existing use of the premises as a clubhouse would remain unchanged.
The premises would still be available to shooting club members from 15:00 onwards on weekdays, and at all times on weekends.
The Leoville Sports and Miniature Rifle Club is supportive of the Koko’s Canines application, stating that it would provide “reliable income” and “help secure the future of the club”.
A lengthy planning battle
Ms Orlandini submitted a planning application in February 2023 for a dog shelter on existing agricultural land in Rue des Hougues, where she was already running the service.
The plans were initially approved in June 2023, despite having been recommended for refusal by the Planning Department because of the shelter’s “unsustainable” location in a protected coastal area.
However, a member of the public later appealed against the decision to grant her permission to use the site and Kumiko was told that she had to cease trading, pending the outcome of the appeal.
The doggy daycare owner then had to wait months for a decision, describing the lack of updates as “upsetting and stressful”.
The appeal was upheld and planning permission was refused last April.
At the time, Ms Orlandini told Express that it was “not the end” of her business.