PLANS to turn a plot of Chadderton farmland into an area for private hire dog walking have been granted despite objections from residents fearing there will be a rise in traffic and noise.

A change-of-use application was submitted to convert agricultural land on Racefield Farm on Cinder Hill Lane into private hire dog walking space to be used between 7am to 9pm with a maximum of six canines allowed there at one time.

The 1.47 hectares of land has been used for "grazing of farm animals and to produce hay for the winter for farm animals", the landowner wrote in the application form.

A planning statement with the proposals said: "This service will particularly appeal to those owners who have dogs which may be nervous, have poor recall, a disability or may be an area for initial puppy training away from other dogs.

"A dog walking field set in the rural countryside which is easily accessible will be a valuable addition to the dog walking community in and around the Royton/Chadderton area.

"This is also particularly important as we see an increase in dog theft in our community.

"Owners will drive their vehicle into the field and lock the gate behind them.

"The land is particularly private in the summer months when the hedge is in full bloom but even in the depths of winter the hedge provides privacy."

The statement added: "The applicant has identified a demand for this use through social media interest generated on local Facebook pages and the request for more exclusive and private facilities in light of social distancing and Covid-19.

"The requirements for dog owners and their dogs to exercise safely outdoors, the increase in dog ownership, and the rise in the frequency of walking are also contributing factors for the demand for this kind of community facility."

But after the plans were issued, 13 objections were made by residents.

One said: "Cinder Hill Lane is used as a rat run by parents using it on the school run so any increase in traffic could lead to congestion at what is already a nasty corner to negotiate.

"There could also be an increase in noise (dogs barking, car doors shutting and people calling their dogs) which will affect the quality of life of the local residents."

A second added: "I am concerned about noise nuisance from the potential of commercial dog walkers using the facility on a regular basis with six dogs and the frequency and duration of the barking from uncontrolled dogs throughout the day from 7am to 9pm giving rise to unreasonable disturbance to local residents."

A third resident said: "I do not recognise the claimed demand for private dog walking spaces, there are local parks and open areas where dogs can be walked safely on or off lead.

"The surrounding fields and local area are home to farmed animals and wildlife and under no circumstances should untrained dogs with poor recall be let off lead in this area."

The proposed land where the dog walking space will be created

The proposed land where the dog walking space will be created

One resident commented on the proposals to say "any increase in traffic on the single carriageway part of Cinder Hill Lane should be marginal compared to it's current usage".

They added: "Family members live at Racefield Farm, they have dogs. I doubt that they will allow the operation to develop into a nuisance or for undesirables to use the site."

After weighing up the application, the council approved it with a number of conditions including that the site "shall be for private dog exercise purposes only, and not dog classes or training".

In its decision notice, the council said: "The maximum number of dogs using the facility at any one time shall not exceed six, and between the hours of 7pm to 9pm on week days and 6pm to 9pm at weekends and public holidays, shall not exceed two."