Projects
Dog Walking Fields
Achieving Planning Permission for Secure Dog Exercise Fields
The demand for secure, off-leash dog exercise facilities is growing, particularly for owners of reactive dogs who require safe, controlled environments for exercise and training. Southern Planning Practices is proud to have supported the development of several such facilities, which offer significant benefits to both dogs and their owners while contributing positively to rural communities. The following outlines the key considerations and strategies for securing planning permission for a proposed secure off-leash dog exercise facility in a countryside setting.
The Case for Secure Dog Exercise Fields
The proposed facility addresses a critical need for dog owners, particularly those with reactive dogs who cannot safely be let off the lead in unsecured public spaces. The secure dog exercise fields will provide:
- Safe Exercise Environment: A fully enclosed area where dogs can run, play, and exercise freely without the risk of escaping or encountering other animals or people.
- Training Opportunities: A distraction-free setting ideal for training, especially for reactive or nervous dogs, fostering better behaviour and socialisation.
- Health and Well-being: Enabling dogs to lead active, healthy lifestyles, reducing stress and improving overall physical and mental health.
- Community Benefit: Offering a dedicated space for dog owners to connect, enhancing community engagement and supporting responsible pet ownership.
By providing these benefits, the facilities meet a growing demand for specialised dog exercise spaces, particularly in areas where such amenities are limited.
Why a Countryside Location?
Dog walking fields are ideally suited to a countryside location for several reasons:
- Space and Accessibility: Rural areas offer ample space for large, secure fields, allowing dogs to exercise freely without the constraints of urban environments.
- Minimal Disturbance: The facility can be designed to blend seamlessly into the rural landscape, with low visual and ecological impact.
- Reduced Conflict: A countryside setting minimises potential conflicts with nearby residents, ensuring a peaceful environment for both dogs and the surrounding community.
Planning Considerations
To secure planning permission for the proposed secure dog exercise fields, the development must demonstrate minimal environmental impact through low-impact design, preservation of natural features, and ecological assessments, while aligning with rural development policies and addressing Green Belt or AONB considerations if applicable. We seek to emphasise that the new dog exercise field will create employment opportunities, provide a community amenity, and support local businesses, strengthening its economic and social benefits. Safe access, minimal traffic impact, and community engagement through consultations will ensure compliance with planning policies and foster local support.
Navigating the Planning Process
Southern Planning Practices offers expert guidance to navigate the planning process effectively. Key steps include:
- Pre-Application Advice: Engaging with the local planning authority to discuss the proposal and identify any potential issues early on.
- Comprehensive Application: Preparing a robust planning application with supporting documents, such as a Design and Access Statement, ecological surveys, and a landscape and visual impact assessment.
- Mitigation Measures: Proposing measures to address concerns, such as noise management plans or screening with native planting.
- Ongoing Liaison: Working closely with planners and addressing feedback promptly to ensure a smooth approval process.
Our team has extensive experience in securing planning permission for rural developments and will tailor the application to meet the specific requirements of the local authority.