Fresh plans for BarkRun in Knutsford after more than 140 objections

In October last year, Cheshire East Council registered a proposal from Whirleymere Ltd to change the use of an agricultural field off Beggarmans Lane.

Operating as BarkRun, the business made use of the site under permitted development rights before seeking to make the use permanent with a planning application.

But neighbouring residents strongly objected to scheme raising concerns over noise, traffic, the business' proposed operating hours and the number of dogs on the site. More than 30 letters in support of the business were also sent to the council.

The application was withdrawn in March this year, however an amended proposal, which has sought to address the objectors' concerns, has now been submitted.

A design and access statement, prepared by Wharfe Rural Planning on behalf of Whirleymere Ltd, said: "The applicant is seeking to put their land to productive use, and one that is for the benefit of many dog owners in the areas seeking an open space that is safe and secure to exercise and train their dogs.

"The previous application was withdrawn to allow the applicant the opportunity to address the concerns raised.

Charlotte Smith, the owner of BarkRun

"The new scheme submitted under this application offers significant improvements which have addressed concerns previously raised by the Environmental Protection Team and members of public.

"Several individual aspects have been reviewed and reconsidered in line with the comments made on the earlier application to minimise impacts from the development.

"This has been achieved through combination of a reduction in exercise space, a significant reduction in the number of dogs and owners on site, reduction in the days and hours on site, relocation and reduction of on site parking and proposed new hedging.

"Confirmation that the proposal is not to be used by any other commercial groups is also provided.

"The principle of a dog exercise use in the Green Belt attracts significant support throughout national and local planning policy and can be considered as not inappropriate development.

"The scheme would not have an unacceptable effect upon the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties."

The plans outline a reduction in operating hours and days to 9am-7pm Wednesday to Saturday and 9.30am-5pm on Sundays during the summer.

In winter the hours would be 9am-3am Wednesday to Saturday and 9.30am-3pm on Sundays. There will be no use on bank holidays.

The maximum number of dogs allowed per person has been reduced from eight to three and there will be no more than nine dogs on site at any one time.

The BarkRun site off Beggarmans Lane (Google)

Proposed parking provision has also been reduced from 25 spaces to eight.

According to the design and access statement, Cheshire East is seeking a public right of way through the application site, but adds the proposals will not impact this.

Some residents have already objected to the fresh planning application.

A resident in Toft Road said: "The facility has been running over the past few months more so over the weekends.

"There are a lot of barking dogs which can be clearly heard from my home. This can be very annoying especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings."

Another in Valley Close added: "I want the greenbelt land to remain in its current state and be protected.

"I do not wish for the land to have cars parked on it and I do not want added congestion on a quiet country lane as cars arrive and leave several times an hour.

"I live nearby and do not welcome or agree with this application. It is wholly detrimental to a peaceful, beautiful area."

To view and comment on the plans, search reference 22/2715M on the council's online planning portal.