Shepton Mallet: Dog walking field could become a car park

Document 2024/0627/FUL relates to Church Farm in Church Lane Stratton On The Fosse in Shepton Mallet.

The plans are to change of use of land to secure dog walking field, which will then be turned into a car park with a 1.8m high fence around it.

The current dog field will be turned into a car park, for dog and horse owners, who can walk their horse in another part. 

This application featured on our weekly planning list roundup a few weeks ago. See all the other plans that week. Rad more: Planning application round-up for Somerset for Monday October 4.

The applicant says that when 340 new homes are built in the village, this space will allow all dog owners to walk their dogs.

Dog owners will have to book a spot of 50 minutes to an hour in the field, this gives residents an opportunity to train without 'encountering other dogs.' This helps dogs train to be obedient and more sociable.

The application states: "Launching this business will provide many benefits. Socially it’s providing a secure, enclosed and private dog walking field for the local community to use.

"Encouraging outdoor exercise, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle which will help to improve both physical and mental well-being.

"Economically, the business idea contributes further to the sustainable farm diversification enterprise generating different forms of income and services for the community.

"This facility creates employment and supports enterprises within the local area which will allow dog walking businesses to grow, building up a strong clientele through using the dog field’s platform.

"On the environmental side as mentioned above, there will be lots of conservation work carried out to build upon and enhance the habitats already present."

You can see the full plans, and leave your comments on the Somerset Council planning portal. 

It will be reviewed by Somerset Council planning officers before a decision is made to approve or refuse the plans.