Posh dog park plan
Dogs could get their own luxury play area near Dunblane.
The Happy Hound Playground Ltd has submitted an application to Stirling Council planners seeking a change of use of farmland 115 metres east of Killean, near Kinbuck.
The proposal is for a 1.5-metre high fenced compound and a building to be used as an indoor shelter for dogs, with access via an existing private road off the B8033.
The compound would have scent trails, shallow splash pools and sandpits.
Baird Lumsden, planning consultants for the applicants, say the land is mainly use for grazing at the moment, with a small area of hardstanding which would be used for parking.
In a submission to planners, they add: “In effect, the application will involve using 1.5 metre deer fencing to define a compound within which dogs will be allowed to play and exercise.
“The proposed building will be used as an inside play space for the dogs in case of inclement weather, and for storage of ad hoc items such as dog food and treats, dog beds and blankets, and dogrelated play items and equipment. It will not be used for any other purpose.
“The Happy Hound Playground Ltd are proposing to use the site for what they term ‘luxury dog walking’.
“Rather than just the standard one hour walk most dog walkers provide, dogs are taken out for far longer, including to the application site, which will be a purpose built, secure ‘playground’ for dogs.
“This service should not be confused with dog day care. There is one group of dogs taken for their luxury dog walk per day.
“They will walk for a maximum of two hours and will be at the playground for a maximum of four hours. One group contains a maximum of eight dogs.
“The dogs are given time to socialise freely and there is plenty access to fresh water and rest areas.
“They are constantly supervised and light training is reinforced through games. All dogs should be home ready for their owners coming home for approximately 4pm.
“No customers will be arriving at or leaving the site under this regime so the only vehicle using the junction and private road will be the one van owned by the company.”
Council planners are expected to make a recommendation on the application in due course.