Plans to open Newton Mearns dog exercising field rejected

Plans to open a dog exercising field near Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire have been rejected despite council planners recommending the project go ahead.

The bid to use land at Pilmuir Road as a commercial dog walking facility was submitted to East Renfrewshire Council, but over 15 comments against the scheme were received.

The applicant, Ian Darroch, wanted to change the use of the site, which was formerly part of Pilmuir Quarry.

“The facility will not be offered directly to the public but will be restricted to use by existing dog walking companies or businesses,” the plans said.

Objectors claimed allowing dogs on the site could drive away wildlife, including deer and nesting birds, and raised concerns over the potential use of “anti-social” lighting on dark nights.

One of the people who commented said: “This change to commercial land for use as a dog run would have a significant impact on the character of the local area and on the green belt as a whole.”

Another one added: “This is a beautiful unspoilt wood, not a field as stated. It contains significant and important numbers of wildlife which are essential to the ecosystem of the local area.”