Plans to turn former Sheffield bowling green into major dog training centre

Sheffield Council’s cabinet approved the lease of the disused bowling green at High Hazels Park to YDT in a meeting earlier this year.

Now, full planning proposals were put to the council.

In their application form, the company said: “This proposal plans to bring the disused bowling green in High Hazels Park back into use as a specialist dog training facility.

“Allowing views into and across the area, the existing boundary will be secured by a 1.8m metal mesh fence and gate where the existing entrance is. The fence itself will be screened from view by existing vegetation.

“The currently disused container storage, which is in situ, will be used as storage/office space.

“A removable waterproof Sail Shelter which attaches to the container with anchor bolts will provide cover during periods of bad weather and a small area of artificial grass will be laid.

“The bowling green is currently accessible to the public. This proposal will change the use to business use.”

The proposals also include two new full-time jobs.

In a cabinet report on the lease of the area, council officers said the centre could bring a range of benefits including generating income, improving safety, enhancing the quality and attractiveness of the park and bringing the site back into use.

They added: “YDT has found providing these services to people has an ongoing positive impact.

“Customers are able to safely venture into public spaces with their dogs, knowing that they are under control and no risk to other members of the public.”

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for parks, added: “It’s in a corner of the park that is right at the top end and not used by many people apart from bowlers.

“It’s a small business being active and drawing in more people. If we have more people around it makes our parks much safer and I think this will help in doing that.”

To read the plans in full or comment, go to https://planningapps.sheffield.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=QPCHR2NYIKV00