AN agricultural grazing field in the Warwick On Eden area can be converted into an exercise area for dogs Cumberland Council planners have ruled.

The application was for a site to the north of Moorhouse Courtyard and, as well as the secure dog exercise and training paddock, the application was for necessary access, parking and shelter.

Planning permission, which is subject to planning conditions, was granted on Wednesday (September 18).

Wetheral Parish Council made no objections to the proposal but some members were concerned that the 1.8m high fence may not be of sufficient height for some dogs jumping over onto the busy A69 beyond the site.

There were five letters of objection, one letter of support, and objections included noise as well as safety concerns.

According to a design access and heritage statement the proposed site is two miles from the M6/A69 junction, 4.7 miles from the centre of Carlisle and 150m from the A69 to the west of Warwick On Eden.

The report adds: "Individuals would pay to use the area on a 50-minute basis with no more than seven dogs allowed in on any one booking. Their booking would be unique to the individual booking it and would therefore give them sole use for the 50 mins. The dog walking paddock will be open daily during daylight hours.

"The proposed land changes would help to meet the local need in the area as there has been a marked increase in dog ownership partially due to the Covid lockdowns.

"We intend to offer opportunities for individuals to exercise and train their dogs in a safe and secure location where they can be assured that their dog/s will not come to any harm."

The report states that the site comprises of agricultural land, which is permanent grassland and currently grazed by sheep.

It adds: "The proposed area of the dog walking paddock is 1.07 acres with 212.61 square metres earmarked to be made into permeable hardstanding and used as a car park.