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A family has won planning permission to turn part of their farmland in Argoed into a dog walking area.

The application, by Kathryn Johnson, covers two fields at Long Barn, Argoed Uchaf Farm, and will also include the construction of two timber shelters and the conversion of an existing stable into an office.

Caerphilly Council officers, in a report to the planning committee, said the fields would “not be physically altered” but would be surrounded by a two-metre high outer fence and a one-metre inner fence.

Access to the site will be via a private access and will include a “parking and turning area” for dog walkers arriving by car.

The applicants plan to run the new venture using a booking system, through which customers can arrange a 45-minute session for a single person and up to five dogs.

Waste bins and biodegradable bags will be provided, according to the council report.

Council planners said they considered the change of use of the land “would have an adverse impact on the amenity spaces” of nearby farms.

During a public consultation on the planning application, no members of the public lodged any objections to the proposals.

The council’s planning committee agreed on Wednesday May 15 to grant planning permission, subject to several conditions, including strict opening hours for the new dog walking area.