Burnley dog walking field set to be given go-ahead

Burnley's development control committee has been recommended to approve the plan for land to the south of Granville Street in Briercliffe, despite objections.

A previous application in July 2018 was refused because the proposed dog walking field together with its field shelter, parking area, gates and associated equipment would have been too much of a contrast in its "open countryside location".

Now applicants Mr and Mrs Frankland have submitted a modified scheme which a planning officer's report to Thursday's meeting urges them to accept.

However, it has again been met with opposition from nearby residents unhappy about disruption the field may cause and also the impact on wildlife.

An aerial view of the proposed site. Pic: Google Maps

The report says: "The application site is an open field (approximately 3.98 acres) located within open countryside.

"The site is accessed off Granville Street along a single track unadopted lane which serves several residential properties around Musty Haulgh.

"The main exercise field will be enclosed by a 1.8 metres high deer fence.

"The previous application put forward a plastic bus shelter as the main form of shelter to serve the proposed use. This was not considered to be appropriate for the rural location.

"A timber shelter is now proposed located along the western side, almost halfway in the field.

"Whilst the shelter will still be visible within the landscape, the design is appropriate to the context of the site.

"In the previous application a range of dog equipment was put forward across a large area. The area has been reduced in size and is now at the southern edge of the site in a more controlled space.

"Each session will need to be booked online before visiting and will last 50 minutes.

"A maximum number of dogs per visit will be four."

Neighbours have submitted seven objections including concerns over the disruption it may cause; fears over the supervision of the dogs; and the scheme's impact on wildlife and ecology.

The planning officer's report concludes: "The use of a field for dog walking is acceptable in the rural area.

"Amendments to the application make the proposals acceptable."

Its opening hours would be restricted to 8am to 7.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8.30am to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.