WE’LL GUIDE YOU THROUGH CHANGE OF USE, SEEKING PERMISSION AND CONSTRUCTION OF ANY NEW BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES.

We work closely with our partners @British Dog Fields to offer you a comprehensive package of support and information to help you secure planning permission for your facility.

Many people don’t realise that planning permission is likely to be required for a secure dog walking field and doggy day care facilities which are run as commercial operations. This is because of the change of use of the land and also the construction of any new buildings or structures.

When land changes use, this means that the activities on that land also change, which may have a different impact on the site and its surroundings. Any impacts need to be assessed. Planning permission is also needed for any new buildings and structures such as fences and shelters associated with the proposed change of use. Again the impacts of the new buildings and structures need to be assessed.

WHY IS PLANNING PERMISSION NEEDED FOR A DOG FIELD OR DAY CARE FACILITY?

• Protecting the natural environment, including wildlife and nearby habitats

• Protecting surrounding businesses, including nearby agriculture

• Protecting the safety and welfare of customers and their dogs

• To assess the access to the site, including the number of vehicles travelling to and from the site, how this will affect the road and where they will park

• To assess noise from barking dogs and how this may affect neighbours

• If located in a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to assess the impact on the sensitive landscape

• To consider other matters such as the impacts of dog waste, impacts on any heritage or archaeological assets and on public rights of way

• To assess the economic and social benefits, including the benefits the field can bring to the local community

I ALREADY HAVE A DOG FIELD BUT DON’T HAVE PLANNING PERMISSION – DO I STILL NEED TO APPLY FOR PLANNING?

It depends on the exact operation but it is highly likely that if you are running it as a business then you will need retrospective planning permission. Otherwise you run the risk of planning enforcement from your local Council.

WHY DO I NEED A PLANNING CONSULTANT TO DO THIS FOR ME?

Whilst it may seem as simple as filling in a form and submitting a plan, the planning process is a lot more complex than this. This is because of the number of matters than need to be taken into account to assess the application, from planning policies contained within the Council’s Local Plan to wider technical issues. It is common for many applications to fall down or be refused on the lack of information provided, significant objections, or due to a misunderstanding of the arguments that need to be put forward to get the support of the Council and other stakeholders. A refusal should be avoided at all costs as this can put a significant black mark on what you can do with the land.

A planning consultant will be aware of the likely issues, what work needs to be done to overcome them including dealing with any objections, as well as knowing what the Planning Officers at the Council will be expecting as part of the application. Consultants know the system well, will be able to speed things up and navigate around issues, particularly important if things start to get complex.

Your chances of success are far greater if you employ a planning consultant from the outset, in any case you may find you have to bring on board a consultant if you had a number of objections or received a refusal. Whilst planning consultants are an additional expense, in the long run this can save you money, particularly if it means you get a permission quicker, avoid getting a refusal and having to reapply or appeal the decision.

SO WHY EVOLVE PLANNING?

Being the UK’s lead planning experts in this area, we have a proven track record in successfully getting planning permission for those who want to set up a dog walking field or doggy day care facility. We can therefore help you through the planning application process.

We know the system and have significant experience getting planning permission for individuals and businesses who want to set up a dog walking field or doggy day care facility. We can therefore help you through the planning application process.

We can also assist with regards to any planning related disputes or existing enforcement cases with the Council.

A planning application typically includes a number of plans, a Planning Statement and other technical reports if necessary. We can help with preparing the information required to support your application. This includes coordinating with surveyors on drawings and other consultants to consider more specialist matters should the specifics of your case require their input (e.g. ecology, noise and highways).

BRITISH DOG FIELDS

We work closely with our partners British Dog Fields to offer you a comprehensive package of support and information to help you secure planning permission. Our combined knowledge and expertise in this area are unrivalled, adding significant value to your project.

Visit:

www.britishdogfields.com

Also see their blogs for further information:

https://britishdogfields.com/do-you-need-planning-permission-for-a-dog-field

https://britishdogfields.com/how-to-set-up-a-dog-field

DO I NEED TO GET ANY OTHER EXPERT ADVICE?

It depends on the specifics of each case, but it may be that you need to employ the services of more specialist consultants to deal with any technical matters that come up. A planning consultant can advise on any clear requirements from the outset but it may be in response to a request from the Council.

For example, if impacts on wildlife and habitats is seen as a potential issue you would need an ecologist to do a survey, if the access and impacts on local roads is seen as an issue then you would need a highways consultant to advise, likewise a noise consultant for any issues around dogs barking and impacts on local residents. The list below gives a few examples of additional work:

• Ecological Surveys
• Noise Assessments
• Transport Statements
• Heritage Statements

Costs for these will vary depending on the case and would be provided by the relevant consultant. A planning consultant can assist in advising on who to use and securing fee quotes. Please note the fees of other consultants are likely to be exclusive of VAT and disbursements.

Evolve Planning can advise on all of this and whether you need to employ other consultants. We work with several consultants and designers who understand dog walking fields and who can assist your project.

Think we can help? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat…