A Moira-based dog adventure park has made a further plea for public support to save itself from closure after their appeal against a Council planners was dismissed.
Launched in 2021 by mother and daughter duo, Eileen and Clare Taylor, Unleashed Dog Adventure Park has focussed on providing a “peaceful escape for dogs and their humans — a safe, secure place to run, sniff, and play”.
Since their opening, however, the Bridge Road business has come up against several difficult hurdles that have threatened continuation of their services.
Their story of struggle began in 2023, when owner Eileen spoke of their risk of being closed down over what she claimed was “unfair” and contradictory treatment by ABC Council planners.
Following notice that a neighbour had submitted a complaint, Eileen said: “The planners came out and they weren’t sure if there was an issue with it but they had to go and check it out. They came back and said it would need to be a change of use from agricultural land, which we duly did.”
However, what seemed like a straightforward application was refused – much to Eileen’s surprise. Two neighbours had lodged objections, some of which, she says, included “derogatory and offensive” remarks.
The decision notice said there “are no overriding reasons why this development is essential in this rural location and could not be located within a settlement”.
Related: Dog park owner to fight ‘unfairness’ as business faces threat of closure from planners
However, it also stated, as a reason for refusal, that “it has not been demonstrated that the proposal will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on residential amenity by reason of noise and general nuisance”, and that “it has failed to demonstrate it would not harm the amenities of nearby residents by reason of noise or general disturbance”.
Eileen subsequently launched an appeal against the decision… however her appeal has now also been dismissed.
Making a last ditch attempt to save her business – and other NI dog parks – from closure, Eileen has now launched a fresh appeal to fight against the decision.
Outlining the “facts” as she sees them, Eileen said in relation to Unleashed: “There have been zero noise complaints in four years.
“Environmental Health has no objections. Road Service has no objections. All neighbours — bar two — support the park.
“Other dog parks with hundreds of dogs per day have never been scrutinised like this.
“And yet we still need to prove, again, that we’re not disrupting the peace — to have a planning decision made on facts, NOT opinion.
Environmental health have been out on maybe three or four occasions with no issues except for the detailed noise management plan that we have produced. ”
She says they have the “full support” of Bridge Road and, in testament to that, a petition launched to help save the dog park in August 2023 garnered over 3,000 signatures.
According to Eileen, the decision by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC), to dismiss her appeal has left the dog park “at risk of being shut down”.
To protect her park, Eileen said they need to “submit a new planning application (and improve the park while we’re at it), hire expert consultants to confirm what everyone already knows – that six dogs playing in a field, is no Belsonic, in terms of noise or disruption, gather support from dog lovers, councillors, MLAs, and the public.”
She adds: “It’s taken a huge amount of time, money and effort to get this far, and now we need to raise a further £5,000 more to save Unleashed.”
The lengthy 51-point document explaining the reasons for the appeal’s dismissal issued by the PAC conclude with a summary stating: “Whilst there is substantial support for the appeal development, that alone is not a justifiable reason in itself to demonstrate that there are exceptional grounds to permit the dog park.
“Any other issues raised, including alleged issues and behaviours between parties and a reduction in traffic in urban areas, are not determining in this appeal.
“Complaints regarding the Council planning officers and its procedures are outside the remit of this appeal.”
It continues to explain the the appeal development “offends” Policy OS3 of PPS8 – which specifically applies to outdoor recreation in the countryside – and states that the appellant’s case “does not represent overriding reasons to demonstrate that the appeal development is essential”.
The PAC statement concludes that Unleashed also fails Policy CTY1 of PPS21 – which relates to ‘Development in the Countryside’ which permits a range of types of development which in principle are considered to be acceptable in the countryside and that will contribute to the aims of sustainable development – and the related provisions of the Planning for Sustainable Development (SPPS).
It adds: “The Council’s first reason for refusal is therefore sustained. As the Council’s concerns encompassed in the first and fourth reasons for refusal, along with the objectors’ related concerns, have been sustained to the extent specified and are determining, the appeal must fail.”
To help “save” their park, Unleashed have launched a GoFundMe page to help raise the £5,000 they say they need to ensure its protection.
The money raised through the platform, Eileen says will go towards the cost of resubmitting a planning, conducting a further noise pollution assessment and all costs associated with both.
Alongside their fundraising, they say the public can assist sharing their story using the hashtag #SaveUnleashed or by contacting local councillors or MLAs.
Said Unleashed: “For many of our visitors, Unleashed isn’t just a field — it’s the only place their dogs can safely run free. It’s a lifeline for anxious dogs, reactive dogs, rescue dogs — and the people who love them.
“We’re not just defending a park. We’re defending a space that brings peace, happiness, and freedom to those who need it most.”
