Dog exercise areas at Land South Of Wenny House, Iretons Way, Chatteris

What is proposed

The application would create dog exercise areas with shelters, a grooming hut, fencing and associated hardstanding on existing paddock land.

“Change of use of existing paddock land to dog exercising areas including the erection of 2 x shelters, a detached dog grooming hut and a 1.8m high boundary fence, and the formation of associated hardstanding…”

Officer report

The site

The 1.59-hectare grassed paddocks are outside Chatteris, accessed from the A142 and within Flood Zone 1.

“The application site comprises 1.59 hectares of existing grassed paddock land which is dissected by an existing site access running from the A142 which serves the dwelling Wenny House and an existing business named Welly Wearers. There are no buildings or portable field shelters on either of the paddocks.”

“The site is located in Flood Zone 1 with sporadic areas subject to a low, medium and high probability of annual surface water flood risk.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier applications included an approved stable and paddock use, a refused equestrian equipment building and a permitted change to flexible shop use.

“Reference Description Decision F/YR02/0932/F Erection of stable block and the change of use of agricultural land to paddock area Approved – 23 September 2002 F/YR16/0343/F Erection of a single-storey building for sale of equestrian equipment involving the demolition of existing building Refused – 22 August 2016 F/YR17/0636/PNC03 Change of use of agricultural building to flexible use falling within Class A1 (shops) Prior Approval Not Required – 05 September 2017”

Officer report

Public views

Seven public communications supported the facility, citing local demand, secure exercise space and fewer journeys to more distant sites.

“Seven communications of support have been received from members of the public. Five respondents are from Chatteris. One respondent is from Christchurch and one respondent is from Wimblington.”

“Supporting Comments Officer Response This will reduce vehicular movements to dog exercise areas further afield. This will be addressed in the Highway Safety and Parking section. This will provide a secure dog exercise area for the residents of Chatteris as there isn’t an exercise field in or near the settlement. This will be addressed in Outstanding Matters from Representation section. Other dog parks in the vicinity are always fully booked.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent told members that the site already had businesses, parking and access, and that the proposal would meet local demand and expand the business.

Committee discussion

Members welcomed the proposal as a further business service near Chatteris and considered the 1.8-metre fencing and access arrangements adequate.

“Members asked questions of [name withheld] as follows: • Councillor Meekins referred to Chatteris Town Council wanting a 2 metre high fence but 1.8 metre is considered high enough and asked about their proposal for the double gate system of access to each of the areas? [name withheld] responded that the gated system is set back so people can pull off the road, he believes users will book online and they will then receive a code for the gate to open it.”

“Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows: • Councillor Benney stated that whilst this is in Manea parish now it is nearer to Chatteris, he knows the site well and these dog exercise facilities seem to be cropping up everywhere. He welcomes this application, it is a further development of the business and another service being offered and he is sure it will do well when it is up and running.”

Minutes

The vote

Members agreed to grant the application in line with the officer recommendation.

“Proposed by Councillor Meekins, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes