Is dog training acceptable in the Green Belt at Penketh?

IS dog training an acceptable use of Green Belt land?

That’s the question members of Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee will have to rule on at their next meeting.
Farmer James Ditchfield is seeking planning consent to change the use of part of one of his fields at Station Road, Penketh, from agriculture to dog training and exercising.

The plan would involve the erection of a small field shelter.
Planning officers are recommending the change of use be allowed, but a number of nearby residents are objecting or have concerns.
They are worried about the noise of barking dogs, the loss of agricultural land, increased traffic and the possibility of future development of the land. They are also concerned that the proposed opening hours – 7am to 9pm – may be excessive.
Residents also question the need for such a service.
But planning officers say the proposed use is compatible with the Green Belt and that the land could easily be returned to agriculture.
The use would represent diversification of the farm and would not have any harmful impact on nearby roads nor on local residents