Carlton Colville: New dog walking field plans unveiled

Change of use plans have been submitted by Neil Sage, on behalf of Ivy House Farm, to turn land in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft - previously "used for livestock and horses" - into a new dog walking field.

A scheme lodged with the Broads Authority last month centres around "change of use of agricultural land to dog walking field" for "members of the public to exercise their dogs" at Ivy House Farm, to the south of the Ivy House Country Hotel.

With the applicant looking to "diversify his business", the farm is accessed via Ivy Lane.

The location plan. Picture: Durrant's Building Consultancy (Image: Durrant's Building Consultancy)

A planning statement submitted to the Broads Authority by agents Durrant's Building Consultancy states: "The application site itself comprises a field extending to 0.96 hectares (2.37 acres) to the east of Ivy Lane which is currently in agricultural use as part of the farm.

"The use of the dog walking field has not yet commenced, with no bookings taken and the field not yet being advertised.

"However, the site has already been fenced, with hardstanding laid at the existing access, and a shed installed.

"Dog poo bins and agility obstacles have also been installed.

"The applicant wishes to be entirely open and to have a clear planning record for his activities on the farm - with a planning application therefore being made to regularise the use."

With the dog walking field to be available between 7am and 7pm, use would "be restricted to one booking at a time."

It adds: "The change of use of land to a dog walking field forms part of the applicant’s plans to diversify his business, providing separate sources of income in order to improve resilience of his business."

With parking provided within the site, it concludes: "There is strong demand for dog walking facilities in the area, and the proposal forms part of the applicant's desire to improve and diversify his rural business."