Wigan borough dog-walking facility plans revealed

A planning statement handed to Wigan Council as part of the application said that the Bowsers Dog Park will provide owners an opportunity to exercise their pets off the lead in a “safe and secure environment”.

The proposals by applicant Bobbie Roper would see the plot off Manchester Road, Astley, which until recently was overgrown with shrubs and other foliage, altered so that owners can exercise their animals there.

A map shows the field would be sited next to St Mary’s RC High School.

Paperwork with the application reads: “The facility will be open from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. There will be no more than eight dogs using the field at any one time.”

A dog day care business previously operated from Manchester Road and had done so for around four years, until recently when the lease was terminated so housing could be built there.

The business is currently operating from a building in Salford.

The document states: “It is the intention that dogs from the day care facility will be transported to the site to be exercised Monday to Fridays from 8.30am until 11am. Thereafter the field will be available for use by members of the public, who have pre-booked a session of either one or two hours.”

Green mesh fencing standing 2.2m high has already been installed around the site. Papers state a compacted MOT type three sub base is proposed for the access route, while parking and a drop off/pickup area will allow for drainage with grasscrete providing the top surface.

A bin will be provided within the site for bagged dog waste, and a private refuse service will collect the bin every Friday.

The application adds: “Until recently the application site was overgrown such that it was inaccessible to the public.

“Whilst fencing has been erected around the compound area this does not prevent access to the wider open area and the public footpath will not be affected by the development

“This proposal will work in tandem with the dog day care facility and will enable this business, which employs local people, to continue operating and provide a full service.”

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