Flintshire County Counci has refused planning permission for Dogshill Paddocks in Dobshill.

While KXK9 Dog Services currently uses the site as part of its professional dog walking and enrichment services, Dogshill Paddocks is a separate project that was created to provide secure, private dog exercise paddocks for the wider public to hire and enjoy. The proposal is not solely for the benefit of one business; it is intended to become a community facility that local dog owners, families and responsible pet owners can all access.

KXK9 Dog Services has built a strong reputation across Flintshire for providing expert care, structured exercise and rehabilitation for dogs of all ages and abilities. Many owners have seen nervous, reactive and rescue dogs grow in confidence through Matt and the team’s patience, knowledge and dedication. My own puppy, who didn’t have the best start in life, learned to trust again because of the care provided by KXK9. Many other local residents have similar stories.

Dogshill Paddocks was designed to build on that success by giving everyone access to safe, secure exercise spaces where dogs can run freely without fear of traffic, livestock or uncontrolled interactions with other dogs. This is particularly valuable for owners of reactive dogs, rescue dogs, elderly dogs, puppies and those who simply want a safe place to exercise their pets.

Importantly, this proposal is a low-impact change of use, not a housing development or industrial scheme. The site remains approximately six acres of open green space, with no intention of urbanising the countryside. The proposal was carefully designed to respect the surrounding landscape while providing a valuable community service.

Supporting information submitted with the planning application demonstrated that:

* The land would remain open countryside, preserving the Green Barrier rather than replacing it with permanent urban development.

* The proposal includes biodiversity enhancements, including additional planting and habitat improvements.

* Ecological assessments concluded there would be no significant adverse impact on protected habitats or species.

* The paddocks operate through a pre-booking system, helping to control visitor numbers and minimise traffic movements.

* The development provides an opportunity for responsible dog ownership, safer exercise and improved animal welfare within the local community.

We fully support protecting Green Barrier land. However, we believe this proposal demonstrates that community use and environmental protection can work together. Dogshill Paddocks preserves the openness of the site while delivering meaningful social, wellbeing and economic benefits.

Many residents understandably question why proposals for large-scale housing developments, with far greater impacts on traffic, drainage and local infrastructure, have been permitted nearby, while a carefully designed, low-impact community facility has been refused.

We ask that the planning inspector gives careful consideration to the significant community, animal welfare and environmental benefits of the proposal during the appeal process

By signing this petition, you are supporting:

* Safe, secure exercise spaces for local dog owners.

* Improved animal welfare and responsible dog ownership.

* A valuable community facility that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just KXK9 customers.

* The protection of open green space through a sensitive, low-impact use of the land.

* Local employment and investment within the community.

Please sign this petition and help us show Flintshire County Council how much this project means to the people who would use it. Together, we can protect our green spaces while creating a facility that benefits dogs, owners and the wider community for years to come.