PLANS have been submitted to allow a popular dog exercising business to continue operating.
The Dogs Paddocks Northwich is seeking permission from Cheshire West and Chester Council to change the use of part of an agricultural field to a dog exercise area.
The business has been operating at the site, off Marsh Lane in Dutton, near Northwich, as a permitted development under planning regulations since October last year.
Now a planning application has been submitted for the business to carry on operating lawfully.
A design and access statement, prepared by Fisher German on behalf of the applicant, says: "The business has been successfully operating under the updated permitted development rule, and therefore seeks formal planning consent to enable a successful business to continue lawfully.
"It is evident there is a clear customer demand for this type of outdoor activity within the area.
Dog Beagle running fast and jumping with tongue out through green grass field in a spring (Getty)
"Testimonials [submitted as part of the application] clearly demonstrate the need for a secure area to train young dogs.
"This includes letting dogs who are not well behaved to be loose without others nearby and providing a safe area for owners to play with their dogs.
"It also enables a space which can improve mental health, having a ‘safe space’ which is within the countryside and can be enjoyed without disturbances."
The proposed opening hours during the summer months will be 6am to 9pm Monday to Sunday. In winter, the hours will be 8am to 5pm.
The design and access statement adds: "The business seeks for the area to be hired for up to one hour or half an hour for one to four dogs, five to eight dogs or and option for more than eight dogs, which would need to be discussed prior to booking.
"Bookings shall be made through the existing online booking system, which enables identification of who should be on the field at any one time. If any issues were to arise it enables easy traceability for these to be resolved.
"The area is fully secure and ‘dog-proofed.’ There is an area to dispose if waste and to keep the area clean and tidy."
For more details, search reference 21/04803/FUL on the council's online planning portal.
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