Dog Walking Planning Statement

Supporting information in relation to my application for an additional use of 'Private hire for Dog walking purposes' in my field numbered 324035, Garth Road, Marown.

I have an energetic dog who requires lots of exercise and space to keep him happy and healthy. Since purchasing the field over 3 years ago I have been using it for this purpose and have also allowed friends to join me. I'm very lucky to have this facility on my doorstep and it's fabulous to have a safe place to allow the dogs to run free.

Many UK and Manx landowners have successfully diversified their land use and created small fenced pockets of land which allow for safe and secure exercise where pet owners pay for the knowledge their pet has the sole use of the area. Within the Island, planning numbers 22/01237/C, 23/00139/C, 21/01050/C have presented similar applications to mine and these have been successfully granted.

The field covers approx 2 acres and is securely fenced around the perimeter with narrow horse net wire providing further security for small dogs.

The field has it's own entrance from the Garth Road which was created under planning application PA20/00440/B enabling access to my home. The application allowed the widening of the original field gate to create a visibility splay in accordance with highway services safety requirements. A further entrance is located at the opposite end of the field via a private shared lane to Marnock bungalow and Ballacallin Mooar. I felt use of this entrance was not appropriate due to the proximity of the nearby private residences and reduced visibility when exiting onto the road in comparison to the new entrance. The area of the field directly in front of Marnock bungalow has been fenced off approx 40m into the field plus the width of the access track / garden to facilitate more privacy and in agreement with the owners. Also a number of trees have been planted along the boundary to facilitate greater privacy in the future whilst still maintaining a distant view.

There is an area in front of the field access gate where $2 \times$ cars can park and a hardcore field entrance where $1 \times$ car can park inside the field. No additional parking or landscaping is required. There is plenty of space for turning vehicles around to exit back on to the highway within the curtilage.

Water supply is in place. No trees require limbing or removal. No erection of structures on site In winter, the opening hours are daily from 9.30 am - 4 pm covering the period when most people are working or carrying our activities and slightly extended during the summer months from $8.30 \mathrm{am}-7.30 \mathrm{pm}$.

The site is barely visible from the road or surrounding areas We have an online booking system for dog owners to book either 30 minute or 60 minute time slots. The field is then hired for their sole use for the duration of the booking. A maximum number of 4 dogs are permitted at any one time following discussion with the neighbours and an attempt to reduce any additional noise. Most of the bookings are for 1 or 2 dogs and the majority of the time are unnoticeable. I am flexible to close the field for the duration of any special occasions the close neighbours may have and realise the

importance of privacy and consideration. Dog walkers are asked not to excite their dogs and to be respectful of the neighbours. Fortunately the neighbours all own dogs and are contributors to the happy sounds of playful barking in the countryside. The field is situated on the route of the Millennium way which is a popular trail for dog walkers and the sound of barking is not regarded as unusual in this location.

Dog owners are responsible for collecting and disposing of their own dog waste and we provide a bin to facilitate this. Waste is triple bagged and disposed of at the Energy from waste plant where it contributes to creating green energy when burnt.

There are many benefits of having a private area for dogs to have off lead exercise, including: Training without distractions Practice recall in a safe environment Not all owners are physically capable of walking long distances to exercise their dogs, the field enables the dogs to run freely and the owners to casually stroll. Not all dogs are sociable and some require a private space to build confidence. The field provides an alternative safe place for dogs to run free when beaches or other exercise areas are closed or pavements are too warm in the summer to walk upon safely.

I am happy to comply with any and all planning requirements, health and safety procedures and waste management provisions.