Park for dogs agreed

Plans for an‘unconventional’dog walking park outside Mauchline have been given the go ahead.

The proposals will see a field at Mosshead Holdings developed to create the facility, including parking for four vehicles, a timber shelter and a portaloo.

The walking path is to be built around the inner perimeter of the field, with a 6ft timber and wire fence erected around it along with some native trees.

The park is to be situated at the end of a‘no through road’. A vehicle parking area is proposed immediately to the west. The shelter will be 4m x 2.4m and 2.4m tall with a‘lean to’roof and overhanging shelter.

An East Ayrshire Council planning report states:“A supporting statement has been submitted which explains that bookings are for either 25 or 55 minutes with a five minute gap at the end of each booking to ensure owners and dogs don’t meet.”

It adds that the applicant said fresh water and agility equipment would be provided for the dogs, while there would be seating, amenities and a visitor book in the shelter.

Users will book online, with the operation of the park fully self-service.

The applicants stated that it is a‘stay and play area where dog owners can securely allow their dogs to exercise, play and be trained off their leash’.

The planning report states that the site is‘somewhat unconventional in the countryside and would primarily attract vehicle reliant users’.

Approval was given to the application, under delegated powers, with conditions attached that will restrict the number of dogs being walked at any one time to five, with operating hours restricted from 8am to 8pm.