A PROPOSAL to change the use of a land from agricultural/equestrian use to dog training use has been approved by the Basingstoke council despite objections from neighbours.

The development control committee decided to approve the application for the land at Scratchface Lane, Herriard in Basing and Upton Grey ward, although all five households near the site objected to the plan.

The planning officer had recommended that the application be approved subject to certain conditions.

Mrs Hill, a resident who spoke at the council against the proposal, said the application has been supported by people who don’t live near the land.

“I'm resident at Manor court, one of three houses directly on Scratchface lane. All five households at manor court have objected to this planning application. We live in a quiet country lane used by farm vehicles and low-level traffic to houses and a cheese factory. The site is located within open countryside off an unmanned track and as a quiet rural and sensitive character.

“During the first lockdown, we noticed prolonged barking from the site. If we hadn't noticed the noise, we wouldn't be here objecting.”

Mrs Hill also said they carried out an independent noise survey which found that noise from dogs barking during the use of the proposed training facility would be clearly audible at the location of nearby residential properties.

She added: “All the people who object to the application live locally within a mile of the site, while all supporters live outside Harriet. The closest supporters live in Alton and Basingstoke. Some are as far as Isle of Wight, West Sussex and Worcester. Travelling over 200 miles to train your dog is surely not something this council should condone, especially having declared a climate emergency.

“Supporters of this application cannot pass comment on noise disturbance because they don't live here. Basing a decision on these views fundamentally undermines the nature of local consultation.”

However, the council decided to approve the application based on the recommendation by the planning officer.

Eight councillors voted in favour of approval, while two voted against.

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