Using land for dog exercise and dog daycare is growing in popularity as a rural diversification project. However, if you are planning to change the use of a piece of land for the purpose of exercising dogs, bear in mind you will need to gain 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 areas.
However, there might be circumstances where it would not be acceptable 鈥� which means it would be advisable to seek the advice of a planning consultant, such as CT Planning, before going ahead with any new scheme.
There are many things you need to consider in your planning application dependent upon the location of the field.
1. Buildings
It is preferable to convert existing buildings on your site. If new buildings are needed, though, these should be of a proportionate scale.
2. Fencing
Fencing should allow views through it; preferably existing fences and hedgerows should be sufficient.
3. Living conditions
The impact the dog field or day centre may have on nearby residents will need to be considered in any application. Planning officers may ask for a noise survey be carried out and they could restrict the hours of operation.
4. Access
Any new hardstanding for parking and access will need planning permission. Therefore, if possible, it would be preferable to use existing access and hardstanding.
5. Successful applications
To secure a successful application, the objective is to make sure that there is limited change in the appearance of the site and to 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; and the number of canines and people likely to be on site at any time.
Get support
If you need professional assistance with making a planning application for a dog walking field, then please contact CT Planning by calling 01543 418 779 or visiting .
CT Planning provides town and country planning services throughout England and Wales; it joined the NFU group of companies in December 2020, increasing the range of services which are available to NFU members.
