Business’s plans for second dog exercise paddock are approved

A farm business near Bath has been granted permission for a second fenced dog exercise paddock.

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Manor Farm at Burnett is part of a wider family farm business which includes Glenavon Farm in Saltford and Uplands Farm on Wellsway in Keynsham.

In 2022 the poultry business at Manor Farm in Old Burnett Lane was closed and the sheds have been developed into storage business Yolk.

Glenavon Farm meanwhile is home to Flourish Foodhall & Kitchen and a popular dog exercise field.

Now Bath & North East Somerset Council has granted permission for a 1.74-hectare former horse paddock at Manor Farm to be turned into another ‘Woofpark’, which owners can hire and let their dogs run around in a safe, controlled and secure environment.

It will be enclosed by a 6ft high agricultural post and wire stock fencing with a twin mesh pedestrian gate.  There will be a mobile timber shelter for dog walkers.

The site will not be lit as no walks will take place before dawn or after dark. Winter opening times will be from 8am to 4pm and summer opening times from 6am to 8pm.

There will be four car parking spaces within the field; the paddock will be open for one booking per hour, with a 10-minute changeover window and a maximum of two cars per booking.

A dog waste bin will be provided, with collections made by a specialist contractor when required

In their analysis of the proposals, council planners said the use is acceptable in the Green Belt.

While the council’s Local Plan recognises that agricultural land is one of the district’s most important resources, this site is not categorised as falling within the “best and most versatile” so the loss can be allowed.

Access to the site will be via the existing entrance from Old Burnett Lane, and no concerns were raised by council highways officers.