Application for dog exercise facility near Hunstanton

Plans have been submitted for a dog exercise recreation facility in a safe, enclosed environment.

The change of use planning application for East End Farm in Ringstead has overwhelming support from the public comments on the online portal.

Those in favour of the application say it will bring much-needed space for dog owners to safely let their pets off the leads.

The applicant is James Young of East End Farm with the erection of deer-style fencing being proposed for the recreational space.

Dog owners would hire the facility in pre-booked slots for use if the application is approved by West Norfolk Council's planning committee.

A maximum of two dog owners would be permitted to use the field per session with a limit of six dogs and two vehicles, unless otherwise agreed with the owner.

A supporting document by the applicant says: "The dog exercise facility would be used by people who do not have appropriate gardens or suitable open spaces nearby to exercise their dogs.

"This includes but is not limited to; owners of rescue dogs or nervous dogs who need an enclosed area without worrying about other dogs, owners that wish to train their dogs to recall or owners who are unable to exercise their dogs due to being incapacitated."

The site entrance would be fitted with a locked gate which will be secured by a coded system.

And the applicant says the code will be released to clients by way of a booking system and confirmation email. The code will be changed on a regular basis.

The Docking Road site application is not considered to be a high risk by the Environment Agency.

Among those who have publicly supported the application is Helga Joergens-Lendrum who said it will not disturb any residents.

She added: "Such a facility is much needed because there are hardly any footpaths here where dog owners are allowed to let their dogs off the lead. It will be excellent for both exercising and training dogs in a quiet and safe environment. It will also be very valuable for elderly or disabled dog owners."