A dog walking field could be created on agricultural land near Gloucester if a planning application is successful. A bid to create the secure dog paddock in Prior’s Norton has been made to Tewkesbury Borough Council,
The applicants, who run Country Kennels and Cattery, want to turn the land which is not needed for agriculture and to expand their kennel business at Church Farm. The proposals from Miss S Clifford and Mrs R Tynan also include secure monitored parking, lighting and canine waste areas.
It would be based next to the A38 which runs between Twigworth, Norton and Coombe Hill. A planning statement submitted by Cotswold Architecture and Design says there is demand in the area despite similar businesses towards Cheltenham and to the east of Churchdown.
The site is in a flood zone, according to an Environment Agency map, the planning statement submitted to the council says. It adds: “As no buildings or structures are being created, only additional hardstanding and boundary treatments, we consider that the development does not pose any increase to the potential high risk of flooding.” If there was flooding, “operation of such business will be halted.”
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The application site
(Image: From application to Tewkesbury Borough Council)
The land is described as being unsuitable for traditional farming, for crops or livestock, due to the flood risk. The land is an isolated field and would be enclosed with fencing to allow dog owners to let their dogs roam off-leash with no risk of running away.
It adds: “This service will particularly appeal to owners of dogs that may be anxious, less social, have unreliable recall, disabilities, or are puppies needing a training space away from other dogs…. Local dog walking businesses seeking a secure area for walking multiple dogs will find this field an ideal solution.”
The application says there would be online or phone bookings for customers to reserve hourly slots, or longer. Only pre-booked customers would be able to access the field as there will be unique codes (regularly changed) to access locked gates.
Opening hours would be 6am to 8pm but reduced to 8am to 4pm during daylight saving time, with no floodlights. Dog waste bins will be provided as will water for dogs. You can view and comment on the application here.
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