A proposed secure dog exercise facility in Flintshire could receive approval from the Planning Committee on Wednesday, July 15. Dogshill Paddock, located in Dobshill, Penymynydd, plans to transform a 16,000 square metre agricultural field into a dedicated space for dog owners to allow their pets off-lead safely.
Read More
The applicant, Matthew Blackie, intends to create five secure 3,000 square metre paddocks available for booking, encouraging off-lead socializing. One of these paddocks will be set aside specifically for local animal charities to exercise rescue dogs.
The site would operate from 8 am to 8 pm between April and September, and from 8 am to 4 pm from October to March, featuring parking for up to 50 vehicles. Support for the initiative has been voiced by local dog owners on its Facebook page.
However, the plans have generated significant opposition, with 24 letters of objection from neighbors. Concerns include the impact on rural character, potential noise, harm to hedgerows, and animal grazing. Local council members have echoed these worries. Cllr Alasdair Ibbotson criticized the development's potential impact on the green wedge, raising concerns about increased vehicle traffic and pedestrian safety, particularly for dog walkers. Cllr Roy Wakelam pointed out the existing safety issues with highway access, characterizing it as "almost blind" and referencing the area's history of accidents.
Despite these objections, Flintshire County Council's Highways department has proposed improvements to site access that could alleviate safety concerns. Consequently, planning officers have recommended approval for the project.