A DOG walking facility could open near Tadley if plans are approved by the borough council.

Hounds and Bounds, which runs dog walking facilities in the Reading area, is hoping to expand and has asked for permission to change the use of agricultural land in New Road, Pamber Green to a dog walking site.

The 6.45-acre space in Little London would provide a secure space for dogs with special needs to be walked, including aggressive dogs, victims of dog attacks, rescue dogs, and dogs in need of behaviour training.

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The application submitted to the borough council says that Hounds and Bounds has been “very keen to expand their dog walking business with these sites remaining popular in the UK”.

The site would include parking for dog walkers and an enclosed area with a 1.8m high fence.

The application added: “The site will allow dog owners to spend anxiety-free time with their dogs off the lead in a secure open space.”

Plans suggest that the owner expects up to 16 bookings a day in the summer, and 10 in the winter, with bookings managed through an online system where owners can select a time slot.

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The facility would open from 7am to 8.45pm in the summer and 8.30am to 3.45pm in the winter.

However, not everyone is happy about the plans and several residents have expressed concerns and objected.

Paul Sterry, of New Road, Little London, said he challenged the suggestion that “a dog walking facility would serve a local need”.

He raised concerns about the impact on lapwings and skylarks using the site to nest, saying: “In recent years, this field has been one of only two in the entire parish of Pamber where lapwings regularly attempt to nest, and one of just a handful of fields for skylarks.”

He added: “They are extremely vulnerable to disturbance and nest destruction by ground predators, including dogs.”

Sue Milward, from New Road, objected because of the increase in traffic.

Karl Hughes, from Silchester Road, also objected because of the increased traffic and the impact on the lapwings and skylarks.