Managers of a dog exercise site in Winchburgh won an appeal to remove restrictions on how many pets can visit in a day - and unleashed a pack of howlers in the process.
Councillors on the Local Review Body heard that Run Free Dog Fields Ltd had been given permission to set up two fields at Myre Farm as dog exercise areas, with fencing and shelters. Owners book exercise time with the business.
The business - which operates 26 sites across Scotland- was granted permission a year ago but appealed against a condition which allowed only six dogs per day using each field.
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The applicants said the restriction was unjustified and added that the M9 and nearby railway line which act as boundaries cause far more noise pollution and impact an amenity to the area.
The appeal by Robert Ritchie who owns Run Free Dog Fields Ltd added: “ We are currently averaging around six visitors to the field per day, but some days there may be only one customer and other days there may be 12, especially at the weekend. A limit of six visitors per day is a severe restriction on trade and I am not aware of any other dog field that has this restriction on it.”
Planners told the committee that the original restriction had been placed “to minimise vehicle movements, in the interests of amenity.”
Officers could not explain why the number six had been settled on and they conceded transportation officers had no issue with the original planning application.
Councillors shared the doubt as to why only six visits per field had been made a condition. Councillor Pauline Clark said: "At some point someone has just taken it that the applicant said six people per day so let's make it six. If he had said they had 15 people using the field, would they have taken that. Is that number of six just arbitrary?
“Whose amenity is it impacting on? she added.
Planning officers explained that the area around was largely earmarked for employment development.
Councillor Willie Boyle said: “ I might be barking up the wrong tree with this but I feel that if we are looking at exercise fields for dogs I feel there will a self determination on usage.
"I think it's going to be self regulating so I'd like to take the lead and remove any restrictions.”
Chairing the meeting, Councillor Stuart Borrowman said: “ I think we can all agree Willie, that any more dog jokes and you’re out.”
Councillor Pauline Clark said: “ So I won’t mention the six dogs rule being a bit of dog’s breakfast. If this field was surrounded by houses then I could see the point but I don’t think there is anyone that these dogs would affect so I’d be happy to support a motion for this to go ahead. I agree, I think it would be self regulating.”
Councillor Borrowman echoed Councillor Clark saying: “ The number six does feel slightly arbitrary.” He recommended removal of the condition. It was unanimously agreed.
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