The new dog exercise field would be a “new venture” for the farmer
A farmer hopes to turn part of their land into a dog exercise field due to the “growing challenges of agriculture”. Measures Farms is seeking permission from Huntingdonshire District Council to turn a hectare of land in Glatton Road, Sawtry, into a dog walking field.
The plans also proposed fencing and signage. The applicants said the dog park is a “new venture” for them.
The applicant added: “Due to the growing challenges of agriculture, it is necessary for farming businesses to look for diversifications alongside the core farming enterprise.” The business also said it would bring an “amenity to the village of Sawtry”.
If approved, owners will be able to book out the field for 25 minutes up to one hour and 55 minutes, with a five-minute buffer between bookings. There is no lighting in the field, so it will only be able to be booked in daylight hours.
The applicants said: “Dog owners appreciate the dog park for several reasons, particularly that they have a safe and secure enclosed space for dogs to roam off a lead. Many countryside and park walks are intersected by roads or fields occupied by animals making off-lead walking more difficult.
“Some dogs do not socialise well with other dogs and benefit from not being able to come across other unknown dogs. As well as providing a service to dog walkers, the use will provide a recreational amenity to the surrounding area, without impacting on the local community.”
There will also be a shelter on the site, and also some obstacles for dogs and owners to try. Car parking will be provided for three cars and when it is not being used, it will be locked with a smart padlock.
For waste, two bins will be provided on the site, with one specifically for dog waste and the other for general waste. These will be emptied weekly and disposed of at the back of the main farmyard. Commercial waste carriers already used by the farm will be used to dispose of it.
