Controversial plan for dog walking field and sensory garden near Warkworth given the green light
Plans to convert an agricultural field into a dog walking park have been given the go-ahead despite local objections.
The application will also see a sensory garden and parking area built on the field.
The land near Warkworth is owned by Northumberland Estates and leased to the applicant, Lizzie Bell, who currently operates an existing secure dog walking field in Ancroft.
The plans have received support from the North Northumberland Branch of the Autistic Society and Barndale SEND School due to the sensory garden element.
In a letter of support, Barndale’s headteacher wrote that there was “no provision” in the locality that has the “specialist play areas required by our young people”. They added that the play area looked “fantastic, accessible and carefully thought out” and that it would be “of benefit” to children with SEND in the area.
However, the proposals also received 31 objections from local residents, with concerns it could set a precedent for future development in the area.
Speaking at the North Northumberland Local Area Planning Committee, objector David Rowett said: “It in effect would change the settlement boundary and mean the land classes as brownfield. It is unmanned, so won’t provide any local employment.”
But council planners confirmed that the settlement boundary can only change via the council’s local plan, not a single application. Any proposals to develop the site further would require planning permission.
Wooler councillor Mark Mather, who is a farmer, was supportive due to an increase in the number of dog attacks on livestock which has recently seen the Government increase fines for dog owners.
He said: “I have looked around the county and there are many of these sites and they work very well. The Government has had to step in and increase fines for livestock attacks – it is now an unlimited fine.
“As a farmer and land manager, I have sadly seen attacks year increase year on year. I think these areas for dog walking are very important.
“We have seen a number of dogs after Covid that haven’t been socialised well because we weren’t allowed to meet up. That doesn’t mean they are bad dogs, it just means they don’t mix well with other dogs.
“This will give the owners the confidence to let their dogs off the lead.”