Plans for dog exercise field on land near roundabout approved

Plans to introduce a secure dog exercise field on agricultural land near a roundabout in Lochwinnoch have been approved by Renfrewshire Council.

A request for planning permission for the project that aims to create a “safe environment” for canines at a site off Roadhead roundabout has been granted.

Fencing and a small shelter will be built at the facility, which is due to operate from 7am until 9.30pm, and will be booked through a website.

A supporting statement submitted with the application said: “The last decade has seen a large increase in the number of dog-walking businesses operating in the area.

“The dog-walking professionals take a large number of dogs out into the public parks, where some are allowed off to run free, whilst others are walked on the leash.

“This has created a number of issues, including people walking more dogs than they are able to control or dogs running loose creating a menace.

“Given the number of dogs being walked by some individuals, it is difficult for them to control the dogs as well as picking up after their dogs.

“There are a lot of antisocial dogs … that cannot be exercised in public because they are aggressive, reactive or have poor recall.

“The concept of the dog field is to allow dog walkers and owners to bring their dogs to a secure site, let them run off the leash and they will be kept away from the public, other dogs and traffic.

“All dog waste will be contained within the secure site, for easier collection and removal.

“The field will be available for the public to book exclusively and they do this through our website.”

The location just off Roadhead roundabout is said to have been chosen by the applicant because it is “away from the residential properties” and there is “good access” from a public road, the statement added.

They also said they take their responsibilities to neighbours “very seriously”.

A report of handling said: “The proposed development would provide a facility that is appropriate for this green belt location and would have no significant detrimental impacts on the character, appearance or amenity of the surrounding area.”

In its official decision notice, the local authority confirmed the proposal was in line with the provisions of the development plan.