Dog Exercise Field Proposed for Bideford Holiday Business and Locals

A local business seeks to establish a designated dog exercise area, providing a space where guests can allow their dogs to run off-leash. The area could also benefit local residents during off-peak seasons.

Paul White aims to construct the exercise area at High Park House, located in Littleham, near Bideford. He has submitted a formal application to North Devon Council in response to frequent requests from guests for a secure dog-friendly space.

The holiday spot frequently accommodates numerous dogs, sometimes exceeding ten at a time. The current site contains driveways and hedges, posing potential safety concerns for the dogs. Despite the high volume of dogs, the business reports no noise complaints in the past decade.

Providing a dedicated dog area could mitigate any potential impact on neighbors by relocating dogs away from residential areas. Dog owners suggest that off-leash dogs tend to be quieter when tired, while leashed dogs might bark more when encountering other dogs.

The proposed one-acre site would accommodate up to four dogs simultaneously, ideally from the same household or with demonstrated compatibility. The operating hours are set from 9 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday, and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sundays.

Local residents would have access to the area during the business’s slower periods. Usage will mostly take place during winter and outside of school break periods. The project addresses increased community needs due to new housing developments.

White believes that the dog exercise area offers a safe haven for local dog owners. He references successful similar initiatives in Appledore and Buckland Brewer, with the Appledore location receiving nineteen positive comments.