Council turns down application for commercial dog-exercising venture in leafy Grimsby-area village

The proposed dog-walking area would be off Bradley Road 

A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a dog-exercising enterprise on the outskirts of Bradley has today been turned down by North East Lincolnshire Council.

The proposal was for a 3.7-acre parcel of agricultural grassland, at Netherwood Dairy, off Bradley Road to be "for the purpose of dog-walking in a pleasant and secure environment".

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

Although, the project was supported by some, others expressed concern that the noise of the animals - and that of their owners' verbal commands - plus possible smell nuisance, might blight their lives. 

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

Another complained that, while it may be 'a joy' for dog owners to hear their dogs barking while chasing a stick or ball, it would  "noise pollution for everyone else forced to suffer it".

However, NELC's ecology unit raised no objection, noting that the project might ease the ease pressure on wildlife from dogs being walked in nearby Bradley  and Dixon Woods. 

The application did not go before the council's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by a case officer.

Says her notice of refusal: "The proposal involves changing the use of existing arable land to a dog walking facility. 

The proposal includes 1.8 metre-high perimeter fencing around the land with a secure access gate positioned next to the proposed car park, with lighting, CCTV and a rain shelter.

"It is considered that such a fence surrounding the 1.6-hectare land would appear alien in this location, especially when combined with the car parking and lighting. 

"The character and appearance of the area is rural and agricultural in nature, with a variety of landscaping and grassed land in the vicinity. 

"Structures which 'formalise' the use of this land would be detrimental to the openness and character of the countryside."