Dogs will be able to roam freely in a secure paddock near Bath after plans to convert farmland were approved.
The Guildhall in Bath
Bathampton residents had voiced concerns about noise, hygiene and road safety, with claims the increase in traffic had been underestimated.
But planning chiefs were content applicants Alex and Gavin Walker, whose family have farmed the land off Warminster Road for 50 years, had addressed the issues raised by the community and would not harm the green belt.
Alex Walker told Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee meeting on 2nd June: “There are no secure dog walking facilities within 10 miles. This paddock could give dogs more regularly walked in urban areas a large secure space to exercise off the lead.
“We appreciate the neighbours’ concerns about a possible change to their area and recognise there will be additional noise from car movements and occasional barking.
“It’s highly unlikely a dog will bark for a prolonged period of time in a field with no distractions. Many dogs don’t bark at all when being walked.
“This proposal is low key in nature and in keeping with agricultural local land usage. The proposal has the potential to greatly benefit mental and physical health and social wellbeing.”
Responding to objections online, Mr Walker said the facility would benefit nervous or reactive dogs that do not mix well with others, young dogs with poor recall, and owners worried their pets could be stolen.
He said the land was of poor quality and farmers needed to diversify. His family owns 260 acres of land at Monkton Farleigh and South Wraxall in Wiltshire.
The paddock will be open for 50-minute bookings for up to six dogs during daylight hours all year round.
Representing Bathampton Parish Council, chair Moira Brennan said: “The field is just not suitable. Allowing six dogs will attract professional dog walkers and a lot of noise.”
She said accidents happen in the junction “all the time” and the facility would introduce a lot more vehicles and pedestrians.
There were 27 objections to the plans.
Ward member councillor Sarah Warren said the community’s concerns were “many and well founded”, the biggest being about the “treacherous” junction, which Highways England said needed upgrading.
She said there were also fears for child safety from the increased traffic and dog attacks.
There will be no onsite manager but the site will be checked once a day to ensure the paddock is clean and tidy, and CCTV will ensure customers follow the terms and conditions.
Committee member Shaun Hughes said it was a very good concept but perhaps the wrong location.
He said it needed a better management plan, adding: “If there are issues with noise or traffic it puts a big burden on residents.”
But Cllr Duncan Hounsell supported the application, saying: “This is not inappropriate development in the green belt. The highways officer has made clear there is no severe impact on the highways. This will not set a precedent to other developments in the area.
“There are no strong enough grounds to reject this.”
Proposing approval, Cllr Paul Crossley said: “There is an increasing need for these secure walking zones. The applicant has covered off most of the concerns that have been raised.
“It’s a legitimate use of the green belt. The idea of containing dogs where they can run around adds to the number of places dog owners can go.
“This retains the openness of the green belt.”
Permission was granted with conditions.
Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter
