AN APPEAL has been launched against the refusal of plans for a new beagle and ferret breeding facility.
Protestors have vowed to fight B&K Universal's appeal for a large single unit at its existing Grimston site, which would replace four existing kennels.
B&K, which would oversee the project by Yorkshire Evergreen, has submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
In November, East Riding Council refused the plans in a five to four vote at its planning committee.
Councillors who voted to refuse the company's application claimed approving the plan would lead to a loss of amenity for local residents because it would attract more pro- tests from animal rights activists.
David Gatehouse, spokesman for B&K Universal, said: "The building will primarily allow the breeding of dogs and ferrets at this site for the benefit of the UK medical research community.
"The company does not carry out animal experiments.
"The council's decision is against all professional advice of its planning and conservation officers and has no foundation."
B&K Universal employs 40 staff at its facility in Grimston, near Aldbrough.
Mr Gatehouse said the new building would be a "great economic boost to the area" and give the company the potential to breed ferrets.
He also said there would be no physical expansion to the site and the project would result in the creation of ten new jobs over the next one to three years.
"All recruitment will be from the East Yorkshire area," he said.
"The new unit will sit behind The Field Station's high perimeter wall and will not be visible beyond it."
If the planning appeal is granted, the company hopes work will start early next year and be completed by the autumn.
However, protestors against the plans have already started planning their campaign.
Deborah Minns, among those who have campaigned for more than two years against the plans, said: "It has come as a shock that they are appealing.
"I've already drafted up a petition and a new Facebook group.
"People don't want it and we'll be working with academics and scientists and will unite to do everything possible to stop it getting approval."
