Landowner applies to create two enclosed dog walking fields near Harborough

Pet owners could soon have a new safe space to walk and train their four-legged friends if a local landowner gets their way.An application to create two ‘dog paddocks’ in the countryside north of Market Harborough has been submitted to the district council.Applicant Samuel Harding and Sons Ltd says the proposal would provide owners with a place ‘within the open countryside to walk or train their dogs off the lead without any concerns for safety’.The new pooch playground would be located on land off Melton Road, opposite the Rutland Veterinary Centre and Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre site, if given the go ahead by Harborough District Council. The area is currently used for agricultural purposes.The two paddocks would be enclosed by 6m timber and mesh fences with padlocked gates to keep pets safe.Owners and families would be able to book a 30-minute or one-hour slot online. They would then have a paddock to themselves for the duration of the session.By doing that way, there would be no risk of overcrowding and limited impact on the surrounding roads as there would be little extra traffic at any given time, the applicant said.Access to the site would be via the existing entrance off Melton Road, with owners able to park directly in front of the paddocks.Harborough District Council’s planning department is due to make a decision on the application by Friday, December 2.