Sheffield dog park allowed to reopen

Sheffield-based Rivelin Valley Dog Park has won the right to reopen after being told to close because it contravened green belt rules.

A proposal made in September by landowner Mick Hill was rejected because it was too visible in an area of high landscape value. However, a revised scheme that moves the exercise area to a less visible part of the land near stables and includes only two car parking spaces, has been given the green light by Sheffield City Council’s planning committee.

In addition, the facility’s fencing has been changed to a type thought more suitable in a rural setting and no permanent structures will be allowed in the exercise area. Previously, Hill had wanted to build a wooden shelter for people to get out of bad weather.

The retrospective planning application was supported by more than 110 dog owners.

Hill told The Star: “I’m happy it’s been resolved. It’s been a long battle.

“We’ll be opening soon because we’ve got to meet the conditions first.”