A planning application to turn a two-acre paddock in Hollym into a dog-walking field has been refused.
In March 2024, Lisa Jackson applied to turn the non-agricultural land into a dog-walking site along the A1033. She launched the application after asking friends, family, and the community for their opinions. The feedback received showed that dog owners fully supported such a site in the area, as similar facilities are only available in Hedon and Preston.
The application proposed a change of use of land next to Withernsea Road into a secure dog-walking field with signage, fencing, and a gravelled car park with a turning area.
The application also stated that the existing landscape would be little changed, as the existing hedgerow would cover the proposed 1.8m-high post and metal mesh fencing. However, eight metres of hedgerow would be removed to make way for a double-gated entrance/exit.
The field would facilitate up to six dogs. Access was proposed to be given via a secure key-coded lock, which would be changed in 24-hour intervals, and registered dog owners would have the option of booking half-hourly slots between 7am and 9pm, with adjustments on a seasonal basis.
The application received no objections from Hollym Parish Council. In August, the plans were amended after representatives from East Riding Council’s Highways Department ruled that the pre-existing hedgerow was too high and reduced visibility for oncoming traffic, suggesting it be lowered to 1.05m. It was also recommended that vehicular access should be widened to 10m from the highway boundary for the safety of drivers entering and leaving.
On October 14, the application was refused by the East Riding Council planning committee, who felt that the lowered hedgerow and proposed vehicle access would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the area, despite acknowledging that the site would offer some benefits as a dog-walking field.
In a statement, the committee said: “To facilitate the proposed use as a dog-walking field, the proposals would require a new vehicle access point to be cut through the hedgerow along Withernsea Road, as well as a significant reduction in the height of the hedgerow to 1m for 43m either side of the access to provide suitable visibility splays.
“This would represent a considerable change to what is currently a verdant appearance along Withernsea Road and would result in the proposed fencing and gates around the dog-walking field and cars within the proposed parking area being significantly visible and prominent within the street scene.
“The resulting impact would be considered one that would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the region.”
Supporters of the plans pointed out that the nearby verge along the A1033 is wide open with full views of the fields, unlike the verge specified in the planning application, so lowering the hedge would not affect the appearance of the area. Meanwhile, others suggested that the development of 200 new houses along Hollym Road did not fit with the character of the area.
Lisa Jackson is now launching an appeal and has called on Cllr Jon Dimberline for help. She said: “We just want to make use of the field. Our horses are not getting any younger, and eventually, it is a field that won’t be used.
“We also travel to Preston for the dog field, as we own two Malinois dogs who need lots of exercise, but one of them has no recall. So, it is nice for them to play together in safety. We appreciate how others feel who can’t travel there but want their dogs to enjoy themselves in a secure environment.”
Cllr Dimberline added: “The applicant made various changes to satisfy Highways, and one planning officer allegedly suggested that with the amendments, it might be a scheme that could be supported. A different viewpoint emanated from a different planning officer.
“The scheme has now been refused on the grounds of affecting the verdant appearance of the countryside by the removal of a hedge, yet on the opposite side of the same road, there is no hedge whatsoever. Hedging is plentiful in other areas. Meanwhile, the Highways team is happy with the design statement for access.
“I feel from a common-sense point of view, this dog-walking area would be well-supported and make terrific use of the current paddock. It will be well-operated and organised, and our furry friends will love it. What can be nicer than dogs being exercised safely in the countryside?
“I am fully behind this application and hope the outcome is favourable. I fully appreciate that planning officers must follow that good old word, policy, but there should and must be discretion for common sense and flexibility.”