The use of land for dog exercise and dog Daycare is growing in popularity as a rural diversification project. If you are planning to change the use of a piece of land for the purpose of exercising dogs you will need consent from your local planning authority.
Dog walking and dog exercising businesses have been recognised in planning appeals as outdoor recreational uses, which are generally acceptable in the countryside and Green Belt. There might, however, be circumstances where it would not be acceptable. It is therefore appropriate to seek the advice of a planning consultant such as CT Planning.
There are many things you need to consider in your planning application dependant on the location of the field.
Considerations
Buildings –It is preferable to convert existing buildings, if new buildings are required these should be of a proportionate scale.
Fencing – should allow views through it; preferably existing fences and hedgerows should be sufficient.
Living conditions – The impact the dog field or daycentre may have on nearby residents will need to be considered. Planning officers may request a noise survey and restrict the hours of operation.
Access – Any new hardstanding for parking and access will need planning permission; therefore, if possible, use existing access and hardstanding.
To secure a successful application, the objective is to ensure that there is limited change in the appearance of the site and ensure that it retains its open and rural character.
Planning authorities can use conditions to require details of the design of any fencing, hours of operation, to prohibit or limit external lighting; provision of receptacles for the disposal of dog waste; the number of canines and people on site at any time.
