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A family’s plan to open a “secure dog exercise field” on part of their Bedwas farm has won the approval of council planners.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has granted planning permission for the Watts family’s “diversification” proposal for Pen y Waun Farm.

Planning documents show the family had to temporarily close a glamping site on the farm while remediation works were carried out on nearby coal tips.

They argued that an alternative business, in the shape of a private dog walking area, would “provide much-needed revenue to the farm”.

During a recent consultation period, neighbours offered both objections and comments in support of the application.

Those who backed the plans cited “the need for a business of this nature for the surrounding community”, according to a planning report.

Objectors, meanwhile, raised concerns about limited access to the site and a lack of passing areas on nearby roads.

Council planning officers said the highways department was satisfied that passing bays would be provided.

They granted planning permission subject to several conditions, including that the dog walking business must be by appointment only, and around the opening hours of the site.