PLANS for a luxury dog hotel on Hampshire countryside have been met with opposition from residents.

Farm owners want to create a canine venue to rival the best in the country at Newdeeps Farm, in Lower Upham, near Bishop's Waltham.

But residents fear the venture could leave them plagued by increased noise and traffic.

The £300,000 proposal would see a new building on the site off Winchester Road housing 15 kennels to cater for up to 30 dogs.

Hotel suites would have sofas, televisions and radios as well as CCTV allowing owners to check on their dog, a private indoor exercise and living area as well as their own private covered outdoor garden.

There would also be a bathroom and indoor exercise area and an outside play area.

Pampering would be provided by a nearby dog grooming business.

The family-run hotel would offer a customised care programme for each dog and according to farm owner David Cunnea would be one of only a handful of such hotels in the UK.

He told the Daily Echo that he and his wife had spent three years researching dog behaviour and welfare consulting dog behaviourists and kennel design experts to make sure their hotel would be of the highest standard.

“Our aim is to become the highest regarded dog hotel in the country,” said David, 45, a firefighter in Middle Wallop.

Councillors are due to decide on the plans, recommended for approval with conditions, tonight .

But they have already prompted 10 objections from nearby residents.

Concerns include increased noise and disturbance, traffic, smell, the impact on neighbouring businesses and concern for the livestock in the neighbouring field.

Fair Oak and Upham Parish Councils have objected on grounds of noise.

Upham Parish Council said: “The noise from up to 30 dogs would be unbearable for residents who live near and not so near to the site.

“We feel that this will spoil the quality of life for our residents.

“The noise would be for 365 days of the year and all hours of the day and night.”

Eastleigh's head of environmental health dropped its objection after further noise work by Mr Cunnea, but recommended restrictions including times when dogs were outside and can arrive, closing doors and windows, an approved acoustic fence and a noise management scheme.

Mr Cunnea argues the building is insulated against sound and double glazed, dogs will receive stimulation and staff well trained so dogs should not be barking, noisy and aggressive dogs will not be allowed and there is a built in ventilation system, so windows do not need to be opened.

He said they would also build a 2m earth bank sound barrier and dogs would be kept inside the kennel building between 6pm and 7am.

He added traffic might even be lessened as they would only expect two customers a day.

Members of the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee will discuss the plans at Stoke Park Junior School, in Bishopstoke at 7pm.