Dog-walking field planned in Woodcock Hill near Sandridge

Plans have been submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to develop the facility at Suttons Farm, north of The Hyde car park off Woodcock Hill, near Coopers Green.

The proposed site, covering approximately one acre of agricultural grassland, is part of the Metropolitan Green Belt and has not been used for livestock or horses since around 2010.

Public comments on the proposal have so far included both support and concern.

One neighbouring resident raised objections about potential noise from early-morning use and the impact on wildlife.

Plans have been submitted for a dog walking field on land north of The Hyde, Suttons Farm in Woodcock Hill, St Albans, which is already home to a number of businesses. (Image: Google/Street View)

The resident said: "The main concern is noise". They have requested that operating hours be restricted to from 8am on weekdays and 9am at weekends to minimise disruption.

Concerns were also raised about a possible badger or fox den on the site, which could be disturbed by dogs.

In contrast, another nearby resident described the paddock as "very much needed," especially for energetic breeds such as Siberian huskies, which require secure off-lead exercise space because of unreliable recall.

The supporter said the project could even reduce nuisance barking in other parts of the borough by giving those dogs better exercise opportunities.

Plans have been submitted for a dog walking field on land north of The Hyde, Suttons Farm in Woodcock Hill, St Albans, which is already home to a number of businesses. (Image: Google/Street View)

The proposal outlines a secure, privately booked paddock limited to one household at a time.

Sessions would be available for either 30 or 60 minutes between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week.

Access would be granted via a time-limited code, and users would be required to remain on site with their dogs throughout the session.

Plans include a 1.8-metre-high post-and-wire deer fence set about a metre inside the existing hedgerow to preserve a wildlife corridor.

A small open-sided timber shelter, paths, waste bins, and additional native planting have also been proposed.

The scheme would use existing parking facilities at Suttons Farm, which already hosts a range of rural businesses.

Around 40 shared parking spaces are available at the site.

One space would be allocated per booking, with a second available to accommodate user handovers.

The applicant argues that the paddock is a "modest, well-managed and low-impact" example of rural diversification, supporting responsible dog ownership and animal welfare without compromising the openness of the Green Belt.

A design and access statement notes the growing demand for secure dog fields due to the UK's 15.5 million dogs.

It also highlights the needs of reactive dogs or those with poor recall.

The applicant believes the limited physical development involved means the proposal would not harm the rural environment or the setting of nearby listed buildings.

Additional hornbeam hedging and native planting are proposed to help screen the site and provide minor biodiversity improvements.

The supporter questioned the durability of the fencing, suggesting it should be strong enough to withstand dogs weighing 50kg or more.

The application includes a code of conduct and terms requiring users to minimise noise, maintain control of their dogs, and comply with a noise management policy.

Dog waste bins would be emptied regularly by an environmentally responsible contractor.

The council has also been told that no new access from Woodcock Hill would be needed, and that the existing entrance and parking could safely handle the low level of vehicle movements involved.

Routine inspections, grass cutting, and fence maintenance are promised to keep the site "clean, safe and well-managed."

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council will now review the plans and assess them against Green Belt, landscape, amenity, biodiversity, and highways policies before making a decision.