Yorkshire farm shop submits plans for dog walking area

Minskip Farm Shop, at Yolk Farm in Boroughbridge, has submitted a planning application to turn an existing agricultural field into a dog walking/activity area.

If successful, the new field is expected to provide a new revenue stream for the business, along with a “safe and secure” area for owners to walk and train their dogs.

The plans seek consent for a change of use for part of the existing agricultural field, with the new area being safely enclosed by 1.8m high post and wire fencing.

The proposed pedestrian route to the field from the carpark is intended to be left natural/unsurfaced to remain “as low-intervention as possible”, the planning statement reads.

“This approach is felt to be appropriate due to the expectations of users who will be prepared for outdoor and muddy activities at the dog walking field, whilst at the same time not impacting on the biodiversity value and permeability of the existing grassland,” it adds.

The new walking/activity field will be open between daylight hours, from 5am until 10pm during summertime.

What’s more, the farm is expecting to create one additional job position, if the new plans are successful.

The business is also intending to create a moveable wooden structure to provide a rain shelter for dog walkers.

“The proposals would meet a clear, and currently unmet, demand for secure dog walking/training facilities and provide a complementary offer to the existing café and farmshop,” the statement reads.