Two secure dog walking fields at Mickle Hill Road, Hesleden

What was proposed

The application proposed changing agricultural land into two secure dog walking fields with access, parking, shelters, fencing and gates.

“Proposal: Change of use from agricultural land to two secure dog walking fields with associated access from Mickle Hill Road, parking area, two timber shelters, fencing and gates.”

Officer report

The site

The site was a 4.5-hectare agricultural field beside Mickle Hill Road, with hedgerows, trees and an informal existing entrance.

“The site relates to an agricultural (arable) field extending to 4.5 hectares, to the north and east of Mickle Hill Road, to the south of Hesleden Road and northwest of Ebony Stud. Weems Farm is situated approximately 50 metres to southeast. There are agricultural fields beyond the site to the north, east and west. There is a small field to south, and beyond which is the settlement of Hesleden.”

Officer report

Planning history

No relevant planning history was identified.

“No relevant planning history. Planning Policy…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal necessary for farm diversification, reversible on agricultural land, and acceptable with controls for landscape, amenity, highways, ecology and drainage.

“The proposal seeks planning permission for a dog walking facility and associated infrastructure as a means of diversifying an established agricultural enterprise at Dene Leazes Farm.”

“The development is considered necessary to support the continued viability of an existing agricultural business and therefore accords with CDP Policy 10(a) and NPPF Paragraph 88. Whilst part of the site comprises Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, the proposal would not result in permanent loss or degradation of agricultural soils, and the use is temporary and reversible.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, drainage and ecology raised no objections subject to requirements, while landscape raised no objection on balance subject to conditions.

“Ecology Section – No objection subject to securing monitoring fee.”

“Landscape Section – No objection on balance, subject to conditions. The proposed planting and establishment maintenance is considered satisfactory…”

Officer report

Public views

No public consultation responses were received, while the applicant’s statement described local need, 175 petition signatures and environmental, social and economic benefits.

“This statement is submitted in support of the planning application for a proposed dog exercise field on land off Mickle Hill Road, Hesleden. The development represents a modest, low-impact and sustainable rural diversification proposal that responds directly to local need, enjoys unprecedented community support, and delivers clear environmental, social and economic benefits in accordance with the County Durham Local Plan.”

“Community support for the proposal is exceptional. A local petition in support of the development has received 175 signatures, representing a significant proportion of the local community. In addition, the scheme has the backing of local councillors from across the political spectrum, demonstrating broad consensus regarding its value and suitability.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the proposal, and the applicant spoke in support about local demand, support and proposed planting.

Members’ debate

Members supported approval because the agricultural land loss was temporary, biodiversity would increase and farm diversification should be supported.

“Councillor M Wilkes noted there was a dog park within his Electoral Division which had been very positive for the local community. He added that the proposals represented around two percent of the whole land holdings and therefore he was happy to move approval of the application.”

“Councillor J Elmer, while appreciating the small loss of agricultural land, noted that there was a biodiversity net gain, and the loss was temporary in effect. He seconded the motion for approval.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors M Wilkes and J Elmer moved and seconded approval, which was then put to a vote.

“Moved by Councillor M Wilkes, seconded by Councillor J Elmer, upon a vote being taken it was:”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to the listed conditions and a legal agreement.

“That the application be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and s106 Legal Agreement as set out within the report.”

Minutes

Approval requirements

The legal agreement was to secure a £2,812 biodiversity net gain monitoring fee, alongside conditions controlling management, planting, lighting, access and restoration.

“(a) a non-technical summary; (b) the roles and responsibilities of the people or organisation(s) delivering the HMMP; (c) the planned habitat creation and enhancement works to create or improve habitat to achieve the biodiversity net gain in accordance with the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan; (d) the management measures to maintain habitat in accordance with the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan for a period of 30 years from the practical completion of the development or the…”

“13) The approved landscape works shall be carried out in the first planting season following the the practical completion of the development, whichever is the sooner. Any approved replacement tree or hedge planting shall be carried out within 12 months of the felling or removal of any existing tree or hedge. All landscape planting shall be maintained for a minimum of five years.”

Officer report