A bid to create a new dog park on equestrian land has been given the green light.

Change of use plans to turn former horse grazing land into a new secure dog exercise field has been "permitted" by East Suffolk Council under delegated powers.

A scheme centring around "Change of use from equestrian land to a secure dog exercise field and creation of new vehicular access" was proposed for the edge of Oulton village, in Lowestoft.

The plans submitted by Miss Jessica Hodgkin, on behalf of the applicant Kevin Hodgkin, were lodged with East Suffolk Council in November last year and approved last week.

With the site described as an area north of Laurel Farm in Hall Lane, Oulton measuring 2.58 acres in total, a design and access statement from the applicants said the park would become a "secure dog exercise field" with 6ft high fencing and a locked gate.

East Anglian Daily Times:

It adds: "The applicant has conducted research on a local Facebook community group to establish if there is a demand for this type of facility in the area.

"There has been an overwhelmingly positive response with the main view being that a dog field in the locality is needed for those wanting to reduce their car journey times when visiting instead of using sites further afield."

The dog field would be available for people to hire with a booking system offering 25 and 50-minute private slots.

With the scheme permitted under delegated powers, a delegated report from the council's case officer said: "The conditions suggested in terms of hours of use and number of dogs permitted at any one time would minimise noise and protect the amenity of neighbouring uses."

Recommending the scheme for approval subject to conditions, it said: "This proposal would be considered to be sustainable development." 

A decision notice letter from the council stated: "Permission is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council subject to compliance with conditions."