Plans for new Oxfordshire dog walking park for nervous dogs

The development would lie across approximately 0.8 hectares of agricultural land in Oxfordshire to the West of B4017 at Henwood.

A "secure field" would mean that land is enclosed, with a 1.8-2m high post and wire fence enabling dogs to be taken off the lead without worry of them running away.

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The proposals were submitted to the Vale of White Horse District Council on March 6 for the grass field opposite White Hill Farm.

Proposed field location. (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council.)

Applicant Andrew Farrant, from a "family farm", writes in his planning statement: "This secure field will appeal to dog owners who have dogs which have poor recall, may be nervous or may be puppy training away from other dogs and distractions.

"The field will be a valuable addition to the dog walking community set in this village opposite a working farm, and is easily accessible to the dog walking community in and around Henwood and Wootton."

Customers would need to make a prior booking for use of the field with the system enabling up to eight dogs in the same hour to share the facility.

But the statement adds: "It is typically seen that one or two dogs will attend therefore use is limited and will remain at a very low density."

No permanent development on the site is proposed for the site which will remain unchanged as an agricultural hay field and cut for hay during summer months if suitable crop grows.

Proposed fencing. (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council.)

The site is listed as currently a "grass field" that was apparently cut for hay in 2023.

Sessions would be booked for 55 minutes in any one hour with a five minute window between customer sessions to "avoid cross over in the field".

A dog waste bin will be provided for facility users and emptied as part of the maintenance schedule along with "regular checks of the field cleanliness".

The proposed location is "conveniently" on a bus route with a bus stop directly next to the field.

This will apparently enable users to "avoid using cars to access this service" with buses like the number 33 connecting from Oxford and Abingdon.

Proposed features. (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council.)

Walking time to surrounding vehicles include one minute to Henwood, 10 minutes to Boars Hill and 25 minutes to Cumnor.

Mr Farrant concludes: "This service provides a secure dog walking facility for local residents so they can enjoy the outdoor experiences with the dog, whilst benefiting from physical and mental well-being during the time at this facility and choosing to either share the experience or have time alone with their dog."