Plans for new field for dogs welcomed by villagers

The planned dog walking field will be located in Ailsworth, off the A47 near Peterborough

Villagers have welcomed plans for a new dog walking field and said it would be “a great asset” for the community.

A planning application was submitted to Peterborough City Council (PCC) to convert a portion of a grazing field in Helpston Road, off the A47 in Ailsworth, into a dog walking space, complete with a 1.8m (5.9ft) high fence and four parking spaces.

Applicant Amanda John said she would offer a pre-booked only, secure space for up to three dogs at any time, to run and train off-lead between 07:00 and 19:00 BST. There would be a small charge.

Ailsworth Parish Council said it “supports a dog walking area” but it was “concerned” by the additional amount of traffic the site could generate. The application will go before PCC’s planning authority.

The plans were well received by the majority of commenters and one resident wrote: "Just what our village needs. It will be a great asset."

Another said: "An excellent idea to enable dogs and their owners to train and relax in a safe environment."

However, one respondent was not on board and wrote: "The entry to the field is on a marked bridle path so will have an impact on riding in the area - there are also local badgers believed to have a sett located in the field."

The Local Highways Authority recommended a new access measuring at least 5m in width, to allow two vehicles to pass.