PROPOSAL TO CREATE 'DOG PLAYGROUND' OUTSIDE VILLAGE SPARKS OBJECTIONS

                                              

The proposed dog-walking area would be off Bradley Road 

NEIGHBOURS are barking mad at an unusual plan to create a meeting place for dogs on a leafy spot outside Bradley.

They fear the noise of the animals and their owners, plus smell nuisance, might blight their lives. 

The proposal submitted by Joe Fenwick to North East Lincolnshire Council is to allocate a 3.7-acre parcel of agricultural grassland, at Netherwood Dairy,  off Bradley Road "for the purpose of dog-walking in a pleasant and secure environment".

Hours of operation would be 9am to 6pm, with 30-minute slots per customers and a maximum of 10 dogs - on a lead - at any one time.

Walkers would be asked to keep verbal commands to a minimum and to "discourage dogs from barking".

There would be parking for up to four vehicles. 

But neighbours doubt if any conditions can be enforced and see no reason why they should be expected to act as monitors.

One has expressed horror at the prospect of "dogs barking, with their owners shouting and whistling from dawn to dusk".

Another, who works night shifts, has expressed concern at being kept awake and the possibility of "offensive and unhealthy smells". 

A third complaint is that, while it may be "a joy" for dog owners to hear their dogs barking while chasing a stick or ball, it is "noise pollution for everyone else forced to suffer it".

No objection has been raised by the parish council.

It is not known how much dog-walkers might be charged per session.

Mr Fenwick's application is currently under consideration by planners.