PLANNING permission is being sought to turn a piece of farmland in Silverton into a dog-walking field.

Georgina Hunter-Marsden has applied to change the use of the land behind the village’s primary school to allow the “exercise of dogs in a safe and secure environment”.

The field, which was last used for grazing ponies, would have 1.9-metre-high fences erected inside the boundary hedges.

It would be used by one customer with “usually” one or two dogs at a time, planning documents say.

“If approved this would be a recreational amenity for dog owners in Silverton to exercise their dogs in a safe and secure environment with the additional user benefits of fitness and mental health,” planning documents argue.

“Two and a half acres of countryside to enjoy with wonderful views and the ability to relax in the knowledge your dog is free, safe and secure.

“The land in question has been used in recent years for grazing and has a mixture of high hedges and stock fencing. The surrounding area consists of a public footpath, Silverton Primary School, a couple of residential properties and fields.

“It is proposed to allow one customer within the dog exercise area at any one time, and it is not considered that this would result in a significant intensification of traffic along this highway. The majority of users being local will walk to the site.

“Adequate parking is proposed for one car within the confines of the site, the entrance will be widened and gated and the car park will be surfaced with appropriate materials.

“A horseshoe entry and exit system (one car in and one car out) will ensure no car is waiting on the highway. Significant signage will be displayed to direct users.

“The proposed site is some distance from the nearest noise-sensitive properties and given the small-scale use and the minimal number of dogs present at any one time, the use would not result in unacceptable noise and disturbance to surrounding residents.

“Operating hours would be limited to 6am to 10pm.

“In relation to waste management, bins will be provided at the site for dog waste generated by the users.

“Waste will be removed by a commercial waste collection service; frequency will depend on usage.

“We will endeavour to support local businesses in the initial set up and ongoing development of the business.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

You can see the application on the council’s website under reference 26/01041/FULL.