Retrospective plans for dog field are recommended for approval

Retrospective plans for a secure dog exercise field in the Chew Valley are being recommended for approval.

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The controversial application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council involves the change of use of an agricultural field at Moorledge Lane to a secure dog exercise area, with a new access track, gravel parking area, fencing, a timber field shelter and a dog poo bin.

There have been nine comments of objection and 16 in support of the proposal, which has been submitted by Paws Up! Chew Valley Dog Adventures.

As the planning officer’s recommendation is contrary to the representations received by ward councillor David Harding and Chew Magna Parish Council, the application was referred to the chair of the planning committee Councillor Tim Ball and vice chair Councillor Paul Crossley.

Both agreed that the application should be brought to the committee for decision and the plans will discussed at the meeting on Wednesday 30th July.

The planning application states that secure dog fields have become increasingly popular in the last few years and there is an opportunity to create this “sought-after use” within the Chew Valley area.

Access will be via the existing gateway on Moorledge Lane; the proposals allow for three to four cars to be safely parked off the lane but only one or two cars are expected on site at any one time due to the booking system.

The applicant says that with the site being approximately 1.2 kilometres from Chew Magna, people will be able to “sustainably” access the field if they choose via well-established footpaths.

The anticipated opening hours of the field are 8am to 4pm during the winter months, and 7am to 8pm during the summer months. The booking system restricts the number of users during each session to a maximum of six.

Comments of support include: “As someone local to the area, I think this dog walking field is a brilliant idea. It’s great to finally have somewhere safe where I can take my son and our two dogs without worrying.

“I’ve looked around for similar facilities nearby, and there isn’t anything available, so I feel it would be a huge benefit for people like me.”

Another says they have used similar facilities in other areas, and they are “unobtrusive and well run”.

Chew Valley councillor David Harding says in his objection: “The site is located in the Green Belt, on agricultural land in an area used consistently for animal farming and teeming with wildlife. The site is accessed from an extremely narrow single track lane.”

He says there is “little evidence of local demand for this facility”, adding: “Strong representation to the parish council has been made by numerous local residents. Very few local residents support this application.

“As a result the parish council are opposed to this change of use and development.”

He adds: “It should also be noted that the applicant appears to have already started work on this site, including the construction of tracks suitable for car use, without appropriate permission and sends a clear message regarding their respect for planning regulations and future management of the site.”

Councillor Harding says it is “fanciful” to say that many users will be local and will walk to use the paddock rather than drive. He also says that due to the proposed location in open countryside, the noise disturbance could travel some distance.

But the council planning officer says the anticipated noises would not be dissimilar from typical residential activity of dogs playing in a garden, or barking at passers-by, or from users of public footpaths in this area, and that requiring a noise assessment is not proportionate to the proposal.

The council’s highways team have reviewed the proposal and accompanying management plan, including the anticipated trip generation and parking and turning spaces, and have not raised any objection.

Next Wednesday’s meeting at the Guildhall in Bath starts at 10am and will be webcast.