FARMER James Ditchfield has won planning permission to change the use of one of his fields – for dog training and exercising.
Warrington Borough Council‘s development management committee has given the go-ahead for the change of use of part of the field in Station Road, Penketh.
The plan also involves the erection of a small field shelter.
A number of local residents had objected or raised concerns about the proposal. They were worried about the noise of barking dogs, the loss of agricultural land, increased traffic and the possibility of future development of the land.
Residents also questioned the need for such a service.
But planning officers said the proposed use was compatible with the Green Belt and that the land could easily be returned to agriculture. They recommended the scheme be approved and argued that the use would represent diversification of the farm and would not have any harmful impact on nearby roads nor on local residents
