Plans approved for dog wash facility at Northumberland beauty spot
Dog owners could soon be able to get their muddy pets cleaned up after a trip to a popular beauty spot on the Northumberland coast.
Planning permission for a dog wash facility at Druridge Bay Country Park has been given the green light.
NE Dog Wash wants to install a self-service dog wash unit adjoining the visitor centre.
A planning report on applicant Robert Irving’s behalf states: “Taking any dog out for the day, especially in areas that a dog likes to play, will invariably mean getting messy, especially with the UK weather.
"Returning home from a day at the beach is much less appealing when you must first clean the dog, then clean the bath and then the car interior. Spending 10 minutes at a self-service dog wash adds a pleasant end to the day for both the owner and their dogs.”
NE Dog Wash already operate facilities at The Battery in Blyth, Plessey Woods Country Park and Tyne Riverside Country Park in Prudhoe.
The proposal was approved by Northumberland County Council planning officers using delegated powers. There were no objections.
The officer’s report states: “Although the proposed development will not directly attract visitors to Druridge Bay Country Park, it will provide a useful facility for existing park users.
"The washing facility itself is considered minor in scale and will not negatively impact on the character of the area or the visitor centre it will serve. Therefore, the proposal is considered to represent appropriate development within the open countryside.”