Plans for a ‘much-needed’ dog-walking facility on agricultural land in the Isle of Wight National Landscape (IWNL) have been refused.
Cridmore Farm Company proposed a change of use of a field within its 870-acres southeast of Rookley to provide a secure area for exercising or training dogs.
County Hall ruled the proposed use would not contribute to the sustainability of the wider countryside or meet a specific local need and would not be appropriate on the site.
A decision report said the visual impact and level of noise and disturbance resulting from the development would be contrary to Island planning policy and the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan.
“The noise and activities associated with dog walking/training/agility would harm the tranquillity of the IWNL location”.
IWNL’s consultee comment on the application said the proposal fails to conserve and enhance the protected area.
A Planning Statement previously submitted from Dicksons Planning and Development said the proposed use would involve private bookings and be disability friendly.
It said:
“The farm owner has identified a local need for this type of facility and believes a dog walking field set in the rural countryside will be a valuable addition to the dog walking community locally and to the Isle of Wight as a whole.”
Chillerton and Gatcombe Parish Council previously said it was ‘broadly supportive’ of the proposal.
Who needs a ”Much needed facility for shit machines” We are in need of a much needed decent hospital facility
Yes, Council would much rather the field was full of Captiva rabbit hutches. A secure dog walking/training area would be an asset and the reasons for refusal don’t make any sense at all. People exercising dogs in the countryside is a perfectly acceptable activity or are the Council going to put a blanket ban on that as well.
Isle of Wight planning policy and the isle of Wight area of outstanding natural beauty management plan I’ve heard of it but have yet to see it
They allow the destruction of whole farms such as Westacre, but suddenly come over all conscientious when it’s just about having an area for dogs. Is total destruction of an existing facility the only way for them to go now?
I think a “much needed” tax is a dog licence.
So many dogs around now a £50 annual dog licence would get the country out of it’s debt problems at a stroke.
Well done council