PLANS to turn a field at Creedy Carver’s Merrifield Farm north of Crediton into a secure dog-walking area have been given the thumbs-up.

It comes as a bid to diversify to secure the poultry farm’s future. In recent years it has been hit by Covid and bird flu “cut the business in half due to outbreaks nearby”.

“Although we have largely recovered from this, we realise that the poultry business is very vulnerable to events beyond our control especially as bird flu is now endemic in the wild bird population,” planning documents say.

“We feel that a secure dog walking field would provide a safe place to exercise, give the owner peace of mind and not cause problems to local sheep farmers.”

Granting planning permission, Mid Devon District Council said the idea was “an acceptable diversification of the rural economy”.

It added that there “will be no significant adverse impacts on the character of the area, ecology, amenity of residents of nearby properties and highway safety”.

The area will be used for exercising dogs from 7am to 7pm seven days a week.

The existing fence around the field will be raised up to a height of 1.8 metres. There are already hedges on all sides.

The existing gate off Haske Lane will be kept, and there will be space for four cars to park.

Applicant Peter Coleman must submit a noise management plan to the council before using the land as a dog-walking area.

Only pre-booked customers will be allowed to use the site, limited at any one time to a family group, and an appointment-based system must be used at all times.

You can see the application on the Mid Devon District Council website under reference 24/01322/FULL.

To see more public notices and planning applications, visit: publicnoticeportal.uk.