Field can be used for dog training

Planning permission has been granted for dog exercise and training classes to take place in a farming field on the outskirts of the city.

Stirling Council planners have conditionally approved an application by Stirling Dog Behavioural Centre for a change of use of the field and formation of a hardcore car park on land 190 metres southwest of Wallace View Caravan Park at Milhall.

Two letters of objection were submitted raising concerns about an increase in traffic on a private track, the effect on wildlife should dogs escape, inappropriate siting of a car park in greenbelt, and access close to a roundabout and 60mph speed limit.

Roads officials had no objections subject to conditions including some on visibility and access and environmental health officials said there was a potential for barking dogs to cause disturbance to nearby properties so conditions were recommended to limit use of the site as well as some relating to lighting and waste.

In their decision the planners said: “Since this relates to a private track, the usage of the track is a civil matter.

“The site has been securely fenced to prevent any dogs escaping.

“The site was an agricultural field with stock proof fencing. At the time of the site visit the applicant had erected some high fencing, not dissimilar to deer fencing, and laid Type 1 for the formation of a parking area. A new access to the field had also been created onto the private track.

“The proposal does not include the erection of any structures. The applicant has indicated that the field is rented, has a gas pipeline which prevents any building and the site does not benefit from any electricity supply. The proposal therefore only includes the change of use and car park.

“It is considered that the proposal has been designed and sited in relation to the character and amenity of the rural area where it is located. The siting of the car park area adjacent to the access road respects the site’s surroundings and that the facility can be safely accessed.

“Since the proposal does not include any buildings, but a change in the use of land and installation of an area of car parking, it is not considered that the proposal would undermine the openness of the Green Belt or its core role and function either as an individual development or in terms of cumulative impacts.

“The land is rented from a local farm therefore assists in providing some additional income to support diversification of the rural economy though indirectly.”