Secure dog walking field at Land West Of Whitehall Wood, Ashdon Road, Saffron Walden

What was proposed

The application sought to change about 1.6 hectares of agricultural land into a secure dog walking field with fencing, gates and parking.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of approximately 1.6 hectares of agricultural land to a secure dog walking field, including associated fencing, gates, and a small parking area. The site lies outside the development limits of Saffron Walden, on land west of Whitehall Wood, and is currently in agricultural use.”

“The proposal introduces minimal built form, comprising a 1.9m high deer fence, gates, and a loose aggregate parking area for three vehicles, accessed via an existing track from Ashdon Road. The facility will operate on an exclusive-use booking system, with a maximum of six dogs per session and proposed hours of 06:00–22:00 daily. No external lighting is proposed.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is outside Saffron Walden’s development limits, accessed from Ashdon Road, and surrounded by farmland, hedgerows and woodland.

“The application site comprises approximately 1.6 hectares of agricultural land situated to the north of Ashdon Road, on the eastern edge of Saffron Walden, Essex. The site forms the southern portion of a larger arable field and is currently in agricultural use. It is accessed via an existing track leading directly from Ashdon Road.”

“Ashdon Road, which runs along the southern boundary, is a classified rural road providing connections between Saffron Walden and surrounding villages. The site lies outside the defined development limits of Saffron Walden and is not within a designated conservation area. There are no public rights of way crossing the site, although footpaths exist in the wider locality.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the rural facility met a local need, provided biodiversity improvements and was acceptable for highways, noise and the countryside.

“Highway safety concerns have been addressed through visibility improvements and on-site parking provision, confirmed acceptable by the Highway Authority subject to conditions. Environmental Health has raised no objection, subject to compliance with an approved Noise Management Plan. No objections were received from statutory consultees, and no public representations were made.”

“On balance, the proposal represents a sustainable form of rural diversification that meets local needs, enhances biodiversity, and maintains the character of the countryside. Subject to conditions securing mitigation and management measures, the application is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highway Authority and other consultees raised no objection or no comment, subject to conditions covering access, noise, ecology and site management.

“No objection from Highway Authority, subject to conditions:”

“Visibility Splays: o Clear-to-ground visibility splays as per drawing no. 0003- 22-D04 to be provided and maintained. o Reason: Ensure inter-visibility for highway safety (Policy DM1). 2. Gates: o Inward opening only; set back minimum 6m from carriageway. o Reason: Prevent obstruction of highway (Policy DM1). 3. Surface Treatment: o No unbound material within 6m of highway boundary. o Reason: Avoid loose material on highway (Policy DM1). 4.”

Officer report

Public representations

A site notice, nearby letters and a local press notice were used, but no support or objections were recorded.

“A site notice was displayed on site, and 20 notifications letters were sent to nearby properties. A notification within the local press was also undertaken.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support of the application.

Members’ questions

Members were shown the proposed car park and were told that its three spaces would be adequate and that the Highway Authority had raised no objection.

“In response to questions from Members, officers: • Showed on the plans where the intended car park would be. • Said that the car park would not be “policed” and that the three spaces proposed would be adequate. • Said that no objections had been expressed by the Highways Authority.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Councillor Emanuel proposed approval and Councillor Sutton seconded it before the committee authorised permission subject to conditions.

“Councillor Emanuel proposed approval of the application. This was seconded by Councillor Sutton.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 17 of the report- A) Conditions.”

Minutes