PLANS for a dog walking paddock have been rejected as being in the "wrong place".

Susan Goodman wants to construct an enclosed space for commercial use by the general public at Fillditch Farm, Forest Road, Swanmore, near Bishop's Waltham.

But city councillors on the planning committee have rejected the plan after hearing how current and unauthorised use was impacting on neighbours including an equestrian business.

Councillors spurned advice from their own planning officers to turn down the proposal which had attracted 11 objections from residents of nearby houses.

READ MORE HERE: Proposal for dog walking paddock in Meon Valley

Mrs Goodman has been running the business before planning permission has been determined.

In a statement the Hooper family, who run an equestrian business next door, said the barking dogs had spooked one of their horses which needed emergency veterinary attention.

Committee vice-chairman Jane Rutter said: "I have looked at this carefully and feel this is in the wrong place. It is close to equestrian facilities and just over the road from houses. Any barking is dangerous to neighbouring horses."

Cllr Patrick Cunningham said it was wrong to permit the application for undeveloped former farmland in a 'settlement gap' designed to preserve space in the open countryside.

Cllr Frank Pearson, who lives in Swanmore, said: "You can't stop dogs barking. I don't think the Goodmans can control dogs to that extent."

Committee chair Cllr Therese Evans said the fact it was a retrospective application proved the noise of the barking dogs was disruptive to neighbours.

The planning committee heard concerns about how Mrs Goodman would operate the facility. She runs a dog care centre in Liss called Poochy Pals.

Jon Woodman, from Swanmore Parish Council, questioned how Mrs Goodman could run a business in Liss and also abide by the conditions for the Swanmore operation which entailed staff on site.

Mrs Goodman was not at the committee. In her noise management plan she states: "The operation of the site will be overseen by the owners of the business and access to the site will only be permitted when they are in attendance. The owners have worked with dogs for many years and have undertaken training in canine behaviour and well being, training, first aid and psychology as well as having experience in on site security and management."