FARMER owners of a dog walking field business in West Craven want to establish a second one near by because the original one has proved to be such a success.

Marton Meadow Dog Walking Field in West Marton, Skipton, opened in June last year, with dog owners paying £5 for half an hour to let their pets run free without fear of them chasing livestock, or other dogs.

Now there are plans to establish a second, larger one at the farm, off Gledstone Road.

In a design and access statement for the applicant P Ormerod by WBW Surveyors, Skipton, it says permission is sought for the change of use of around two acres of agricultural land to a mixed agricultural and amenity use.

The field, part of Marton Scar Farm, will be accessed off Gledstone Road and will be open - if approved - from 7am to 8pm during May to September, and during daylight hours during October to April.

It will be enclosed with a 6ft2ins high fence; there will be a car parking and turning area, with a passing place on the access road.

"The land forms part of a wider farming business, which comprises approximately 250 acres of productive meadow land and pasture.

"In order to diversify the farming business, the applicant proposes to introduce a new element that has great demand and allows the public to enjoy the open countryside.

"The proposed dog walking facility will allow dog owners to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors in the knowledge that their pets are safe and secure. Furthermore, the National Farmers Union suggest that, since the Covid 19 outbreak there has been a significant (42%) increase in dog walkers using the countryside who may not be familiar with this environment.

"This may be a contributing factor to the increase in dog attacks on livestock that have been reported and the cost to the industry has gone up by 10 per cent to £1.3 million per year.

"The proposed facility will allow dog walkers to let their pets run free and encourage the safe use of the countryside."

It adds that the original development 'has been successful and feedback from the applicant’s customers is clear that a further facility would be welcome and equally well used.'

The design statement concludes: "The proposed dog-walking field will serve to both provide employment for local people and provide a safe and secure recreational facility for local residents to exercise their dogs.

"The development would not introduce any harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape and would not be detrimental to highway safety.

"The development will allow the applicant to diversify and ensure that the business remains flexible and resilient in the future."