Two Co. Armagh dog parks have applied for retrospective planning permission to retain their facilities.
The first application has been submitted in the name of Mr John Shaw and pertains to Ruby’s Doggy Play Park on the Derrycarne Road, Portadown.
The proposal requests full planning permission for the retention of the dog care facility and involves a change of use for two agricultural buildings for “dog care activities”, an outdoor exercise area and car park for which construction works commenced in September 2020.
The two existing buildings and a canopy are outlined in the application as being “used for the enterprise” with one building – a former mushroom house – now acting as the “main dog handling facility” and the second building – formerly used for agricultural storage – now functioning as an indoor dog wash and drying area.
The current proposal also requests permission for an outdoor fenced exercise, play area and nine car parking spaces.
An accompanying statement – prepared on behalf of the applicant by 2 Plan NI – explains that Ruby’s Doggy Play Park has been operating at their Derrycarne location since 2020.
In support of the application, it adds that the maximum number of dogs at any one time on the property is 25 dogs, however it notes that the number of dogs would fluctuate throughout the day and would normally be less.
The business, the statement says, provides a safe space for dogs to exercise and play during daytime hours and does not offer kennelling or boarding services.
According to the application the works commenced on the development of the 0.22 hectare property in September 2020 have not yet been completed and no other planning application has been submitted for the property in the last ten years.
In justification of the application, the statement prepared by 2 Plan NI explains that while doggy day care facilities do not “easily fit” within an particular policy context it us widely recognised that these facilities are “more suitable for rural locations than urban areas”.
It continues: “It is likely the scheme will benefit the local economy by supporting jobs. The facility also provides an important service to the community by providing day care for dogs to allow customers to carry out their employment activities.
“Furthermore, it will not be used as overnight kennelling, and a noise management plan accompanies this application.”
The second application pertains to Unleashed Dog Adventure Park in Moira where an ongoing planning dispute left the future of the business uncertain.
Unleashed Dog Park Moira
In June of this year, the park’s owners Eileen and Clare Taylor launched a public plea for support when their appeal against Council planning’s decision was dismissed.
Related: Dog park ‘unleash’ fresh effort to save their business from closure after appeal dismissed
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.
Best Bark – Northern Ireland’s leading dog-friendly directory – has come out in support of Unleashed and is helping to support their fresh planning application.
Their new application – submitted in July – seeks retention of their dog adventure park, ancillary mobile field shelter, equipment shed, fencing / gates, double gated entry area, car parking and
associated access and proposes two new passing bays.
They have also submitted a new, independent Noise Impact Assessment which they say “scientifically backs up what we already know – noise is not an issue!”
They have also asked the public to bolster their application by submitting letters of support addressing relevant planning considerations.
A GoFundMe page launched by the duo has also raised over £2,000, which they say will help secure the parks protection.
Both applications are due to be advertised shortly.
