Plans to turn agricultural land into three rentable dog-walking paddocks have been submitted to a council.

If approved by Rutland County Council, 5.2 acres of a field west of Ashwell Road, to the north of Oakham, would be transformed into three secure, rentable open spaces where dogs could safely roam off the lead.

According to the applicant's agent Savills, while having a minimal impact on the surrounding environment, the paddocks would "support diversification of the farm business, provide a secure exercise space for dogs and respond to local demand for dog walking paddocks in the area".

The proposals follow a trend of farm land diversification recently highlighted by Rutland County Councillor Andrew Brown, who is a farmer himself, as agricultural businesses continue to struggle amidst harsher climates and falling support payments.

The application affirms that no permanent buildings are included in the proposals, while the paddocks' ecological impact would be limited to the loss of "some hedgerow".

Moreover, the paddocks could be converted back into agricultural land if required.

Should Rutland County Council approve of the plans, the open spaces would be bookable by single users for between 30 minutes and 60 minutes per slot, relying on a handful of staff to supervise the grounds throughout the day.

Without any lighting equipment proposed, the paddocks' opening hours would depend on the seasons, although it is anticipated that maximum opening hours at any time of year would be from 6.30am to 8.30pm, according to the application.

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People can comment on the application, which has the reference 2026/1138/MAF on Rutland County Council's online planning portal.