A field near Stafford can now be used by dog walkers and their pets despite concerns that activity could affect funeral services or quiet contemplation at a nearby church.

There were also fears raised by a councillor that dogs could escape the fenced-off field, leading to accidents on a nearby road and worrying of livestock on neighbouring farms.

But fellow members of Stafford Borough Council's planning committee voted on Wednesday (June 10) to approve to change the use of the agricultural field at Marston Lane, Marston, to a securely-fenced dog field with hard standing for customer car parking.

They called for extra conditions to ensure on-site dog waste bins were emptied regularly and no lighting was operated at the site – and the authority's environmental health team asked for opening hours to be limited to 8am-6pm on weekdays and 8am-2pm on Saturdays, with no opening on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

The council received 10 objections to the proposed change of use.

Objectors raised concerns including noise, privacy, highway safety.

One who spoke at Wednesday's meeting said: "Another concern is the impact on neighbouring livestock; a dog exercise field would generate a continual flow of dogs and visitors throughout the day.

Even where physical separation is provided by fencing, dogs can cause significant distress and disturbance to livestock.

"Neighbouring farms are also concerned about biosecurity risks arising from numerous dogs and visitors from various locations.

"This proposal contributes to the ongoing loss of agricultural land across Staffordshire.

"The site is accessed by narrow rural lanes that are single vehicle width in places which are already affected by deteriorating edges, potholes and seasonal flooding.

"The access is located close to a blind bend on a 60mph road.

"This is not an isolated site – it sits close to residential properties and St Leonard's Church, a Grade II Listed building.

"While visual affect has been considered, there has been little assessment of the affect increased noise could have on residents or church services, funerals and quiet reflection."

The application was called in for consideration by the planning committee by ward cllr Frances Beatty, who questioned if the extension of the proposed non-agricultural business onto greenfield land constituted sustainable development in the countryside.

She added: "Is this site appropriate, or is this operation fair to churchgoers – Sunday services, weddings, funerals, etc – with the likelihood of dogs barking during services?"

Claire Preston, who spoke in support of the application, said demand for such dog walking facilities has increased since the Covid pandemic because many new owners were unable to fully socialise their pets as a result of restrictions in place at the time.

She added: "Working habits have also changed significantly since lockdown, such as working from home and hybrid working.

"The facility helps to foster social connections amongst dog owners, which improves mental wellbeing and helps to reduce loneliness.

The facility would provide a service for the local and wider community, where owners could walk, exercise and train their dogs safely.

"The site benefits from an existing access point at Marston Lane which will be improved with the removal of a small amount of hedgerow to provide required visibility splays.

"The scheme includes provision of 1.9m high deer fencing to secure the site – the council's conservation officer concludes that the almost completely permeable appearance of the fencing has very little impact on the openness of the field.

"Customer bookings would be managed by an online booking system operated by the applicant and dog walkers will be able to book a 50-minute slot with a 10-minute turnaround time.

"The use of the field will be limited to no more than two vehicles, three people and four dogs at any one time."

Committee member Cllr Louise Nixon spoke of her family's 30 years' experience of operating stables and kennels.

She said: "I know the pitfalls.

"I can tell you from 30 years of experience with dogs that dogs would escape from that fence.

"You are opening yourself up to accidents, especially with the bend in the road, and you've got a problem with the livestock on the farms nearby.

"There is a highways problem here.

"And we need to protect the neighbouring farms because they're having enough problems as it is at the moment."

But fellow committee member Cllr Jill Hood said: "I totally disagree with Cllr Nixon.

"Looking at the times, the most dogs that would be on that field during the hours would be 40 dogs (per day) – that is highly unlikely.

"I am an avid dog walker and I go to Trentham every morning.

"I think dog owners are extremely responsible.

"I think it's a very good idea we are going to have an area where a dog can be walked off-lead or on-lead, whatever the responsible dog owner decides to do. I've looked at the fence and I think the fence is quite adequate to keep a dog in that field."