Dog walking and training facility at Hesleden set for approval

Last year Durham County Council received a planning application from a developer proposing to open a dog walking and training facility on land adjacent to Mickle Hill Road, just outside the entrance to the village. 

Full details of the application can be found in this direct link to the council's planning portal: DM/25/01554/FPA | Change of use from agricultural land to two secure dog walking fields with associated access from Mickle Hill Road, parking area, two timber shelters, fencing and gates. | Land North West Of Ebony Stud 3 Weems Farm Mickle Hill Road Hesleden TS27 4PY

The applicant has been in touch with me a few times over the past few weeks seeking my support for the proposal. He has also told me that a petition circulated throughout the village has secured the support of a significant number of residents who see this as a positive development for the community. In addition I'm advised that there have been no objections raised with the council.

I have agreed to support the proposal on the terms set out in those conversations with the applicant and those included in the planning case officers report to the planning committee which is due to be held on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

I've offered to speak in support at the committee meeting but the applicant is of the opinion that they have sufficient support in place for next week, so I've withdrawn my request to address members. Instead I've submitted my written comments to the case officer with a request that they are raised with committee members for their consideration. My comments are published below.

The case officer has recommended to committee members that the application should be approved on the terms set out in the committee report so it's likely to be given consent to proceed. However, I'll update on progress next week after the final decision has been made by planning committee members.

For the attention of the chair, vice-chair and members of the Central & East planning committee

I submit these comments in support of planning application DM/25/01554/FPA which would see a change of use from agricultural land to enable a dog walking and training facility adjacent to Mickle Hill Road on the outskirts of Hesleden in my county division of Blackhalls & Hesledens.

As mentioned in the planning officer’s committee report the development would bring a new development to an open agricultural field. I’m pleased to note that any adverse impact of the development will be mitigated through landscaping plans that will provide screening through a new hedgerow and tree planting scheme.

I have been in contact with several residents in the village and the applicant himself who confirms that a petition has been raised demonstrating significant local community support for the proposed development. It is noted that dog fouling has been an issue in the village for some time (along with many other settlements throughout the county) and it is felt that an initiative of this nature would provide bespoke facilities for dog walkers and their pets, thereby helping to address local concerns about the impact of dog fouling.

Critically, I am pleased to note that there will be no permanent or long-term effects from the alternative use of potentially productive land. I also acknowledge that the development supports rural sustainability by protecting local employment in addition to supporting the ongoing viability of a local farm business nearby.

In conclusion I am happy to support this application on the terms set out in the case officer’s report.

Cllr Rob Crute

Blackhalls & Hesledens Division

Durham County Council