HUNDREDS of people have raised concerns over a retrospective plan for a shed to house greyhounds - but have been met with a robust response in support of the scheme.

The application, submitted to Bradford Council by Mr Habib Khan, is seeking permission for the single-storey structure on land at High Bank Lane in Shipley.

At the time of writing, the application has attracted 760 objection comments on the Council’s planning website, with serious concerns raised about the welfare of the dogs.

However, an individual close to the scheme has moved to quell fears and said the applicant is willing to accommodate visits to the site. 

One objector wrote: “You will be aware that Mr Khan is intending to keep greyhounds which I understand he uses for racing. The tracks in this country are closing down one by one due to lack of support so the trade is going abroad, mainly to India.

"I am aware of some of the conditions these animals end up in after their racing days are over and I do not believe that this is something that Bradford Council should be giving its approval for. I do hope this application will be refused.”

Sonia Rose Fradgley-Thompson said: “Dogs should be kept somewhere warm and safe. This is neither and should be knocked down and the dogs rehomed.”

Many other comments raising similar fears have been left, with people saying the building is not “fit for purpose”.

Caged Nationwide, the largest greyhound protection group in the UK, told the Telegraph & Argus that while planning committees do not generally take animal welfare into account when making a decision, they hoped that that “if there is any doubt regarding the suitability of this structure for the safe keeping of dogs, we trust that the Local Authority will take steps to ensure that there is no Act being contravened, before making their final decision regarding the application”.

A comment from Aksar Mahmood, who says he has been involved with the application from an early stage, said it is not illegal to keep greyhounds and added: “If there is case where the greyhounds are being mistreated then Mr Khan welcomes the opportunity for members of the public/an animal welfare organisation to come and view the greyhound shed to advise in areas where Mr Khan can make improvements for the welfare for the animals (by appointment).

"However, we have had random visits from the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust who have not made any significant comments on the way the animals have been treated and aided Mr Khan in making positive changes.”

He said Mr Khan regularly visits the site to walk, feed and care for his dogs, which he said acts as a “big deterrent” to fly-tippers and travellers. 

Fiona Rodden added: “My property backs onto this land and I have no objections, Mr Khan is a nice man who stops on occasions to talk to me and I can see that his dogs are well looked after.”