PLANS for a dog exercise field in Thelwall on green belt land has been refused by Warrington Borough Council.

A planning application was submitted in September 2023 to change the use of the land next to Beech Farm offices, on Lymm Road, into a dog exercise field.

The plan proposed using the land as a ‘peaceful’ and ‘safe’ site where owners can walk their dogs.

A booking system was proposed for the field where owners could select a slot online and pay to use it through a website.

Wire mesh fencing was proposed for the land, and access would be granted by coded locks.

A car park with no more than three vehicles at a time was also proposed in the application, and a greenbelt statement was submitted.

“As stewards of our green belt community, we must carefully consider proposals that seek to enhance our local environment while promoting responsible pet ownership,” the statement read.

“The proposal for an outdoor dog walking facility aligns with our commitment to preserving our green spaces, fostering a sense of community, and promoting the well-being of our beloved canine companions.

“We believe that with careful planning, regulation, and community involvement, the facility can be a valuable addition to our greenbelt, benefitting both residents and their four-legged companions while preserving our cherished green spaces.”

However, on October 1 Warrington Borough Council refused the application.

“The proposal would constitute inappropriate development in the green belt as a result of failing to preserve openness and conflicting with the purposes of the green belt as a result of encroachment into the countryside,” the refusal notice said.

“No very special circumstances have been put forward sufficient to outweigh this harm.

“The proposal would not improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area nor does it comply with the development plan and therefore does not comprise sustainable development.

“There were no amendments to the scheme or conditions which could reasonable have been imposed which could have made the development acceptable and it was therefore not possible to approve the application.”