PLANS for a dog exercise area in a rural village have been approved, following a debate at a Conwy County Council planning committee meeting at the authority’s Coed Pella HQ.
The application, submitted by Max Jones, sought permission for the change of use of an agricultural field to a dog exercise area at Bryn Rodyn, Old Colwyn, Betws yn Rhos.
Speaking in favour, the agent for the project, Jack Lalley, said the plans would ensure dogs would have a “dedicated” and “secure” place to exercise in an open space.
He added an adjacent field owned by the applicant would provide a “buffer” against “noise pollution”.
He also said no lighting was planned and that the site would have daily checks.
Councillor Gail Jones also spoke at the meeting after she was contacted by residents concerned about noise.
She said the application was “taking away agricultural land” and “industrialising” the site.
She added: “There are many concerns from residents with regards to this application, the potential noise of barking dogs and owners shouting to their dogs while on the park.
“The park would be within 200m of properties. Many of these properties are owned by retired people, so they are more often home during the day and in the summer using their gardens.”
Cllr Jones added there was a high level of emergency workers who lived nearby and worked shifts who slept during the day.
She also said the “topography of the land lends itself to noise resonating” right across Old Colwyn and Llanelian.
Planning officers recommended that planning permission was granted for two years, in case the consequences were more significant than expected.
Cllr Chris Cater proposed councillors backed the project but said the initial “trial” should be on a 12-month basis, rather than the two-year agreement advised by officers.
“I’m worried about the noise,” he said.
“I do have sympathies with Cllr Gail’s (Cllr Jones’) residents about this resonating audio effect in that area.”
He added: “I would certainly request that we put a 12-month trial on this because quite soon we’ll know how much noise this generates.”
Cllr Alan Hunter said he shared the concerns and seconded the proposal.
Cllr David Carr also backed the venture, adding: “I think we should give it a go.”
The committee approved the application on a trial basis, subject to conditions.
