A MAIZE, sheep and cattle farmer has unveiled an unusual diversification plan which would see almost ten per cent of his land transformed into “a safe and secure dog walking facility”.

Andrew Corner has lodged proposals with Hambleton District Council to add to his agricultural enterprise and firewood and fencing businesses by creating four dog walking paddocks for members of the local community to use during daylight hours, all year round.

Planning agents said the 11.3-acre site off North Moor Road near Easingwold was in walking distance of the town and would be securely fenced with a 6ft post and wire fence and weld mesh gate, enabling people to walk their dogs off the lead.

The proposals state each paddock would have a landscaped dog agility area comprising a tunnel and would be open from 8.30am to 3.30pm in winter and from 7am to 8pm in the summer.

The planning documents state: “The paddocks will be available to book for half-hour or one-hour slots. The time slots will be booked and paid for online.

“The proposed enterprise would provide a diversified form of income to the applicants’ existing business, therefore supporting the sustainable growth of this existing rural/agricultural business.

“In addition to the above, the enterprise will provide a facility to the local community where they can safely let their dogs off the lead.”