New 'dog activity park' set to open in East Boldon - this is what to expect


Plans for a new ‘dog activity park’ in a field off Green Lane, East Boldon, have been given the green light.
The park will include a specially designed area for customers to walk, train or play with their dogs off lead.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFencing will split the field into two halves with a range of agility equipment on offer.


The dog park will be available via online booking with a maximum of eight dogs per session.
Andrew and Rachel Gillies, of Odin Valley Ltd, who are behind the new venture, have also stressed the park will be “sympathetic to the landscape and environment.”
This includes the use of protective mesh in a car park area to prevent damage to the ground.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn a joint statement, Andrew and Rachel said they were “really pleased” to have been granted planning permission.


They added: ”We’re Boldon residents, who named the business after our own dogs Odin and Vali.
“They’re highly energetic Border Terriers, who can sometimes be a little grumpy with other dogs.
“We wanted to create a safe and secure space to allow them and other dogs to have off lead exercise.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“We are going to ensure that our design will provide an enriching exercise space for dogs, whilst being sympathetic to the surrounding rural area.


“Now we have permission to proceed, we will start by planting grass seed so let’s hope the weather stays kind to us.”
During a consultation, the plans attracted some opposition from neighbours over potential impacts on wildlife and “noise nuisance”.
While other objectors feared the plans could set a precedent for developments on the green belt.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDespite concerns, the council’s Planning Committee backed planning officers’ recommendations to approve the dog park.


And councillors were also reassured that the plans met all green belt policies.
A key factor included non-permanent structures being used on the site which could be “easily removed if no longer required.”
The facility, which will be called the Odin Valley Dog Park, could now open by the end of September.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdApproved opening hours include 8am-8pm with staff on site/on call during working hours.