Dog park planned at Salhouse Garden Centre near Norwich

Plans have been lodged with Broadland District Council for a dog exercise field next to Salhouse Garden Centre.

The 1.6-hectare field - which is located just off Honeycombe Road - would be fenced off if plans for the pooch facility are approved by the council.

Planning papers for the application state the fencing proposed is wire mesh with metal stakes which would make it "very robust from top to bottom".

The application says: "Once this type of fencing is installed, it never quite sits at 6ft in height but it is less than a few centimetres off all around this field."

Salhouse Garden Centre (Image: Newsquest)

A J Cator Estate is listed as the applicant for the plans.

John Fielder of A J Cator Estate said: "It should be a great asset. It is very early days but we are looking at the diversification of farming when putting this idea forward. 

"It is difficult for farmers to make ends meet. The field is used for sugar beet at the moment."

Mr Fielder expects the dog exercise facility will have time slots of around 30 minutes for one dog at a time. 

Fran Whymark, Conservative county and district councillor for Salhouse and Rackheath, is in favour of the plans for the agricultural space. 

He said: "I think this application shows how many businesses are having to diversify to make their business work.

"I don't have any strong objections as I know many people have asked about it previously. 

Fran Whymark, Conservative county and district councillor for Salhouse (Image: DENISE BRADLEY)

"It is far enough away from most buildings so will have little detrimental impact. 

"I could not find the hours of opening on the application but this would need to be managed to ensure was no nuisance from noise." 

A staff member at Salhouse Garden Centre said she was not aware of the plans for the dog exercise facility and that it was the responsibility of the landowner.

The application will be considered by Broadland District Council in due course.