PLANS to set up a dog exercise area in part of a farmer's field in West Marton have been approved, despite fears of it bringing more traffic to the area and increasing the risk of fly-tipping.

The just under two acres, in open countryside, off Gledstone Road, will be fenced off and will include four parking spaces. It lies directly next to a public right of way. It will be open from 7am to 8pm from May to September, and during daylight hours only from October to April.

Those using the area have to book beforehand, and use is limited to four vehicles at a time.

In a design and access statement, agents Windle Beech and Winthrop say the scheme by, P Omerod of Pasture House Farm, will allow 'dog walkers to let their pets run free and encourage the safe use of the countryside'.

It states that according to the National Farmers Union, since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a significant - 42 per cent - increase in dog walkers using the countryside 'who may not be familiar with this environment'.

"This may be a contributing factor to the increase in dog attacks on livestock that have been reported and the cost to the industry has gone up by 10 per cent to £1.3 million per year. The proposed facility will allow dog walkers to let their pets run free and encourage the safe use of the countryside."

It adds that the facility will be part of the wider farming business made up of around 250 acres of meadow land and pasture, and will allow the farmer to diversify.

It will also 'serve to both provide employment for local people and provide a safe and secure recreational facility for local residents to exercise their dogs' and 'allow the applicant to diversify and ensure that the business remains flexible and resilient in the future.'

Concern was raised that noise from dogs, and people shouting and whistling for their dogs would be a nuisance. There was also concern that cars would end up parking on the narrow, single-track road, that use of the field would not be monitored, and that the fencing would harm the character and appearance of the area, which includes the nearby grade two listed Gledstone Hall. There was also concern that the parking area will increase the risk of fly-tipping, already a problem in the area, and other 'anti-social' behaviour.