Plans approved for new secure dog exercise paddock near Bath

Dog owners will soon have another secure place to let their pets run free after plans for a new exercise paddock near Bath were approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The new enclosed dog walking area will be created at Manor Farm in Burnett, part of a family farming business that also includes Glenavon Farm in Saltford and Uplands Farm in Keynsham.

The business already operates a popular dog exercise field at Glenavon Farm and has now been given permission to transform a 1.74-hectare former horse paddock into a second secure Woofpark.

The facility will allow dog owners to book exclusive one-hour sessions, giving their pets the freedom to exercise in a safe, enclosed environment.

The paddock will be surrounded by 6ft agricultural post and wire fencing with a secure pedestrian gate, while a timber shelter will provide cover for owners during their visit.

To minimise disruption, the site will operate during daylight hours only, opening from 8am to 4pm in winter and 6am to 8pm in summer.

Four parking spaces will be available within the field, although bookings will be limited to one per hour, with a 10-minute changeover period and a maximum of two vehicles per session. A dedicated dog waste bin will also be provided and emptied by a specialist contractor.

Council planning officers concluded that the proposal was appropriate for the Green Belt and raised no concerns over access, with visitors using the existing entrance from Old Burnett Lane.

Manor Farm has diversified in recent years following the closure of its poultry business in 2022. The former poultry sheds have since been redeveloped into the Yolk storage business, while the wider family enterprise continues to expand its range of rural businesses across the Bath area.

The approval means work can now begin on preparing the new paddock, providing another secure outdoor space for local dog owners to enjoy.