Plans to diversify small family farm near Lichfield include small dog walking area
A scheme to diversify a small family farm to include a small dog walking area has been submitted to Lichfield District Council.
The plans include converting a small section of field at Pipehill Farm previously used for arable crop into a secure dog walking facility.
The move has been prompted by ongoing economic pressures and the new facility will create a new income stream for the farm. The land has grown wheat for the past century, however, due to crop rotation, is now used for hay production.
No permanent structures are planned for the development and dog owners will have to agree to the site’s dog management plan when booking and a maximum of four dogs per customer will be allowed. The facility will have just a single car parking space.
The facility will be for pre-booked users only and will have a short gap between users to ensure the site is vacant. It is planned to only be operational in daylight hours, with the applicant suggesting 8am to 4pm in winter and 7am until dusk in the summer.
The planning design and access statement said: “The scheme will result in various benefits, and these are not just to the users and dogs but to the wider area. The change of use of the site will result in new wildflower meadow planting which will include a mown path for users to enjoy, this will be an environmental enhancement and contribute positively to local landscape character whilst helping offset the decline in insect populations in the area.
“The site will provide a safe place for dogs therefore reducing owners letting dogs off leads in less suitable locations which can result in concern for those who are not keen on dogs that appear not to be under close control. The proposal provides a farm diversification business opportunity and in doing so supports the rural economy safeguarding those employed on the farm.
“The supplementary income stream generated is considered critical by the applicants to their ongoing operation and preservation of the small family farm, helping to ensure its sustainability for future generations. Another significant benefit is that the low impact of the scheme’s implementation means that the site could also easily be returned to agricultural production in the future should the scheme no longer be required.”
The application and all supporting documents can be viewed on Lichfield District Council’s planning portal under reference number 25/01218/COU.
Public comments on the application can be made until October 30. The application is currently under consideration by planning officers.
