Tockholes village set to get a new dog exercise area

Anne and Andrew Leaver want to convert the field at the rear of Hillcrest in Tockholes Road into a space for dogs to run free.

The 0.45-acre site is located within the Green Belt and the West Pennine Moors and forms part of a wider landholding under their ownership.

A supporting statement submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council with the planning application says: “Anne and Andrew Leaver are seeking permission for the change of use of part of an existing field to a dog exercise area to provide a safe and secure environment where dogs and their owners can exercise throughout the year.

“Access to outdoor space plays an important role in supporting animal welfare and enabling people to spend time with their pets in a natural setting.

“The proposed facility would allow users to enjoy the countryside in a controlled and managed way, supporting regular outdoor activity while making use of existing rural land.

“Hillcrest Cattery is located within the wider site.

“The surrounding land is predominantly agricultural, comprising open fields with established tree belts and hedgerows.

“The proposal seeks permission for: the change of use of the land into a dog exercise area; the erection of 1.8m high posts and mesh fencing; and the extension of an existing hardstanding area on the wider site to allow for the parking of one car.

“The proposed opening times are in summer weekdays 8am to 7pm, Saturdays 8am to 7pm, and Sundays 9am to 5pm, and in winter 9am to 3pm seven days a week.

MORE: Design team appointed £13.2m Samlesbury Innovation Hub as delivery moves step closer

MORE: Plea to parents after woman hit by car during Witton Park School morning drop-off

MORE: Council highways boss’ concern at £6.8 million Huncoat Garden Village relief road

“Clients will be able to book 60-minute sessions via the online booking system.

“Clients will be required to leave the site in good time.

“This will ensure that only one client is on the site at any one time.

“Once a client selects an hourly slot, then this slot is removed from the website to ensure no further bookings can take place within the same hour.

“No commercial dog groups, or private functions, dog training days, group sessions, or competitions will be using the site at any time.

“The site will only be used by private dog owners to exercise their pet away from home.

“The proposed dog exercise area is well screened by existing mature trees and vegetation.

“The proposal would be largely hidden within the landscape and would not appear visually prominent within the wider Green Belt.

“The purpose of the Green Belt exception for outdoor recreation is to enable greater access to the countryside and to support recreational and health-related activities.”