PLANS to create a park in Ellesmere Port specifically for dog walkers and their canine companions have been unveiled.

An application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council to convert the agricultural grazing field into a fenced field which would be occupied for dog walking at Meadow Bank Farm, home of Classy Canines.

The proposal will provide hourly sessions for local residents and members of the public to walk and exercise their dogs in an enclosed and fenced field that compliments the field’s use as a grazing field.

It is proposed to convert the 1.01 hectare field, deemed unsuitable for farming, into one where customers can book hour-long sessions (with an option to book for loner periods), allowing them to use the dog walking field.

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A design and access statement submitted as part of the plans said: "The applicants wish to improve the biodiversity of the field by the reintroduction of wildflowers, nature habitats such as log piles and introduce additional planting into the pond to encourage wildlife to the area.

"The land is predominately secured already with a mixture of boundary treatments and minimal input will be required to enhance the security for the users. The fence will enable people to walk with their dogs off the lead without the worry of them running away. The field will be protected from the main highway by a minimum of three bolted gates.

"This service will particularly appeal to those owners who have dogs which may be nervous / antisocial, have poor recall, a disability or may be an area for initial puppy training away from other dogs.

"A dog walking field set in the semi-rural countryside which is easily accessible and will be a valuable addition to the dog walking community in and around Little Sutton. Off-road parking will be made available and the location will complement the 'Classy Canine' dog sitting offer located adjacent to the proposed site."

Changes to the site would be minimal, other than enhanced boundary fencing, and the applicants say there is already suitable off-road parking.

The statement added: "It is confirmed that no commercial puppy or dog training / agility classes will be permitted, however there will be a limited amount of agility equipment on the site to assist in development of the dogs' behaviour and obedience.

"The use of the site solely relates to dog walkers exercising, for the physical health and mental well-being of dogs and their owners and to enjoy the local countryside.

"This service provides a community facility for local residents that is unique to the local area. The character of the use remains unchanged to what would be expected from a public footpath network, other than the enclosed and secured nature of the site."

The applicants cite additional demand for dog walking at all times of the day due to an increased home-working lifestyle for many people since the Covid pandemic. With a booking system, there would also be control of attendees, limiting congestion in the area.

Proposed opening hours would be 7am-7pm during the summer months, and 8am-4pm in winter. Dog waste bins would be provided on site, and these would be emptied twice weekly, and three to four times a week during the hotter months of the year. Regular site inspections would take place to ensure the environment remains clear and clean.

The applicants concluded: "This proposal is a fantastic and unique experience for the local area, the idea of which has arisen following the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that dog owners can walk their dogs in a safe, secure and exclusive fenced field, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing of users and their dogs, and it is a unique asset in the community where dog owners can exercise and enjoy the countryside."