Villagers in Finchampstead fear pooches could cause noise and nuisance if Wokingham councillors grant a dog walking business permission to use a nearby field.
The firm wants to use a paddock at High Barn on Church Lane as a large exercise area for up to 20 dogs at a time. The field’s owner must apply to Wokingham Borough Council to change its approved use from agricultural to commercial.
Several residents, along with Finchampstead Parish Council, disapprove.
They say the paddock’s fence is too low to contain dogs, that it could cause noise and disturbance – and it could even pose safety risks.
One objector said: “I used to enjoy my walks surrounding St James church. I have had several bad experiences with these dogs bounding towards the poorly fenced footpaths toward me taking absolutely no notice of the people shouting at them through the woods.
“The noise of at least eight loose dogs is very frightening.”
And an objection from the owners of nearby Rectory Farm adds: “Since the applicant has allowed a dog handling company to access his land without planning consent and without adequate fencing, dogs have accessed our fields and adjacent footpaths on a number of occasions.
“This poses a risk to both footpath walkers and to any animals in the fields.”
Other comments raise fears that changing the land’s use from agricultural to commercial could pose a threat to local habitats and open the door to other detrimental developments in the future.
Other residents support the plans. One wrote: “This environment not only gives the dogs a safe space to play but also protects the public from harm or harassment.”
Another said: “This day care for dogs is essential to most responsible dog owners’ weekly life. I personally use this service since moving to the area and it has allowed me to help a local business run by lovely local people.”
Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee will explore the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday, May 10, with officers are recommending that they approve the plans.
For more details, or to view the application, log on to Wokingham Borough Council’s planning portal, and search for reference 222805.
