Future of dog training field uncertain

Channel View Dog Paddock opened the field without planning permission

The owner of a dog training field in Cornwall may be forced to close her business if the council refuses a retrospective planning application.

Louise Hanley, the owner of Channel View Dog Paddock, opened the field at Sandy Lane in Redruth without planning permission.

Cornwall Council recommended the retrospective planning application be refused due to its potential to cause significant disturbance to nearby homes.

A large number of residents have supported the bid to keep the facility open, but some disagree.

'No consideration'

Ms Hanley said the field provided a "safe and secure place for people to exercise their dogs", with benefits for owners with reactive and nervous dogs, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council planners said the key issue was the potential disturbance to residents with prolonged periods of barking throughout the day.

One resident said: "As a resident of a property right along side this field, there has been no consideration given or thought to us."

Another said the barking of the dogs using the field caused their dogs to react and bark in response - causing them "unwanted stress".

'Amazing facility'

A local resident who supports the paddock staying open, said: "What an absolute travesty it would be to lose this amazing facility on the grounds of noise pollution due to dogs barking.

"To have a safe secure area to exercise your dog is an invaluable resource and an asset to the community."

Councillor for Redruth, Connor Donnithorne, said there was "no reason to refuse the application".

The planning committee is due to make a decision on 31 March.