A planning application to convert a field next to Knypersley Reservoir into a dog exercise area has been refused by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

The plans, submitted by a Mr Mark Hall, relate to Knypersley Mill Farm on Judgefield Lane, Brown Edge, and seek permission to: "Subdivide existing agricultural paddock and change of use to a dog exercise area with access and parking".

The site is currently a working farm and also operates as a camping and caravan club.

A planning statement submitted as part of the application explained more about the proposed exercise area.

It said: "The proposals look to subdivide and change the use of an existing agricultural paddock to allow a Dog Exercise Area to be created.

"This is fully reversible, the boundary division could be removed, and the land could then return to agricultural use' The existing access to the campsite will be shared/utilised to gain access to dog area with 3 car parking spaces provided.

"Measures are proposed to limit noise through opening hours, occupancy restriction and boundary treatments. Dog waste collection bins will be provided on site and emptied by a registered waste collector. Bookings will be taken in advance using an online system for security, to limit occupancy, and protect the residential amenity of nearby noise receptors."

It adds: "The site is nearby to Knypersley Reservoir and Greenway Bank Country Park; both locations operate a "dogs on leads" policy. These locations receive a high level of footfall with many people bringing dogs for exercise.

"The purpose of the dog exercise area would be to allow dogs that might have poor recall to be allowed off the lead for training purposes, or simply run and play without interruptions or hazards. The area can also be used for dog socialisation (within small groups) and dog agility training. At present there appears to be a gap in the market for this. There are no similar facilities within a ten-mile radius of the application site."

The application also explains that the farm and camping business have been adversely impacted by the pandemic, with the dog exercise area representing a new stream of income.

However, the council have since refused the plans, saying the proposals would be too harmful to the Green Belt.

A report by the council's planning officers said: "The appeal scheme is inappropriate development in the Green Belt. This is harmful by definition. The proposal would reduce the Green Belt's openness which gives rise to additional harm.

"The development would also have significantly detrimental effects to the character and appearance of the countryside. There are no other considerations in this case that are sufficient, either individually or cumulatively, to clearly outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and the other harm identified. Consequently, the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development do not exist."

We reported back in October 2021 how a planning application to site 11 caravans and four "shepherd hut" camping pods at a farm located next door to Knypersley Reservoir has also been refused.