RETROSPECTIVE planning permission is being sought for a dog walking

business in the countryside near

Josephine Francis-Trott, who runs It’s All About Dogs from her home Houndsville, Monument Road, was given consent in 2010 to use the site to exercise her dogs twice a day and to allow pet owners to plant memorial trees.

Since then, the business has grown and the three-and-a-half-acre site alongside the M5 motorway has been used for the past seven years by clients who book time slots online to walk their dogs.

Mrs Francis-Trott said: “Based upon our experience in dog care, we have included useful facilities that dog owners often request, such as a pond for the dogs to swim in for fun – it is great exercise for dogs and helps their confidence in water – a field shelter for equipment, some paths to help when it is muddy, and a dog shower to clean up after a rough and tumble run around the field.”

Her agent Dominic Paterson said: “Houndsville offers a secure dog walking exercise facility for the local community by giving families, individuals and professionals the opportunity to come and walk and play with their dogs on designated land.

“This benefits not only those who use the venue but also those who are averse to dogs on open public land.

“This type of business model is relatively new but it is clear that secure dog walking facilities are growing in popularity around the country.

“It is important therefore that those given the responsibility of making this important planning decision understand the way in which this business operates and the limited impact it has upon the surrounding area in terms of traffic movement, access and numbers of users.”

The planning application also asks for permission for two parking spots and the erection of stock-proof fencing and security lighting.

Wellington Without Parish Council has opposed the plans because of concern about increased traffic and the unsuitability of development in a green belt area.

The district council has run an online consultation for the public to make comments on the plans and has until June 3 to decide the application.