Plans have been drawn up for two secure dog walking fields as part of a farm diversification scheme near Easingwold.
A planning application has been submitted to North Yorkshire to change the use of 4.53 hectares of arable land to the east of Ladycarr Lane.
The fields would be surrounded by an 1.8m fence, inset by 6m from the boundary hedgerow with the intervening area to be planted as a wildflower buffer and species-rich mature hedgerow.
A shared waiting area would be created for arriving customers, with each field having its own ‘in-field’ parking area for use by customers during their session.
The agents, Evolve Planning and Design, said in supporting documents submitted on behalf of applicant Matt Bell: “The proposals represent farm diversification and would bring economic benefits by supporting an existing farming business.
“The proposals would contribute to and support the local economy whilst providing a new secure recreational space for dogs and owners, alleviating pressures on other open spaces.
“Furthermore, the revised proposals would be an appropriate use in the open countryside, given it would maintain the intrinsic character and appearance of the landscape and open countryside.”
The dog walking fields would be unstaffed with the gates locked and fitted with a keypad system, with the code provided to customers on the day of their session.
An online booking system would control the number of visitors and traffic movements to and from the site and should ensure the accountability of those using the field.
The site would be inspected once a day by the owners or one of their employees, with the applicant already operating a number of secure dog walking fields in the wider area, including at Darlington and Thirsk, and was “therefore very experienced in the management of these facilities”.
The report said dog ownership the UK has risen over the past few years and there was an increasing demand for secure dog walking fields.
“There is a clear need for such a facility within the local area,” it added.
A consultation is running on the plans until September 30.
The council is aiming to make a decision by the end of October.
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