A dog grooming business is hoping to expand its horizons by opening a new location.

Portia Morgan, owner of Short Bark and Sides in Wrentham, has lodged a planning application to Waveney District Council for the former LPD Electrical site on Mariner Score, off Whapload Road, Lowestoft.

If successful, she will then open what could be described as a doggy day spa - a parlour for pooches offering grooming, pampering and day care.

The application, which was lodged on August 31, is now awaiting council approval, though councillors have requested greater detail from her.

Miss Morgan, 30, said: 'It is certainly a very exciting time for my business, and a big step for us as a whole if it is successful.

'One thing I am hoping to do if the application is successful is potentially take on apprentices to learn the trade and develop skills in dog grooming.'

Miss Morgan's application has, however, received strong opposition from a neighbouring business, with Janie Murray commenting on the application on behalf of East Coast Recovery rehabilitation centre.

Mrs Murray argued potential noise pollution from the business would disrupt clients in their roads to recovery.

She said: 'We provide a calming and tranquil environment for our service users. As properties are in a lower area, sound travels extensively and is echoed in our areas.

'We are extremely concerned that the noise generated from the building in close proximity to us will prevent our clients getting well and may even cause us to move after spending in excess of £300,000 on renovations to one of our rented buildings.'

Miss Morgan is confident this would not be an issue should the application be successful.

She said: 'If dogs are happy they should not be making noise. If they are settled it should not be a problem.

'As professionals we are well equipped to make sure the dogs in our care are happy and comfortable, and in doing this, we make sure they are also calm and not making noise.'

Miss Morgan set up Short Bark and Sides in Wrentham High Street two years ago, having been working in the dog grooming industry for seven years in total. She is yet to decide whether the Wrentham location will remain open in the event of approval.