A DOG trainer is 'disappointed' by a council’s refusal to allow the use of a field as a training facility for aggressive dogs.

Denise Nuttall, a qualified dog behaviourist who runs Paws in Hand, planned to provide classes at a two-acre field off Uddens Drive, Wimborne.

She has helped rehabilitate aggressive dogs for over a decade and originally ran classes from a rented field at Stapehill Abbey in Wimborne before it was bought by developers for a new housing scheme.

After finding a suitable alternative site, she applied to East Dorset District Council for a change of use for the land. She said she was advised at the pre-planning consultation that her plans were considered acceptable under green belt policy. A gravel car park to accommodate 10 cars was suggested.

Denise, who takes referrals from the East Dorset Dog Warden when dogs are placed under control orders, had planned to secure the field with six-feet-high fencing for the safety of livestock.

But to her 'surprise and disappointment', her application was later refused on the basis it would lead to an “undesirable intensification of the land, which would be inappropriate development in the green belt”.

She said: “I find this decision astounding, and it is disappointing that there is so little desire to prevent the issue of aggressive and out-of-control dogs and make public parks safer.

“I am passionate about promoting responsible dog ownership, and there is a real need to have a space to train certain dogs which may not be safe off the lead in a public space.

“When dogs misbehave, there is a reason for this. The government with their Dangerous Dogs Act wants to punish owners for having dogs that are out of control or aggressive, yet they have done nothing to help prevent this from happening in the first place."

She added: “I want to be able to educate dog owners so their dogs need not become a challenge. I want to provide a safe space which simulates the real world so that dogs can learn how to behave both indoors and outdoors.”

Members of Ferndown Town Council cited the close proximity of the site to Uddens Water, a Site of Special Scientific Interest as a reason for objection, and stated there was "insufficient detail" regarding access to the site and the proposed parking layout.

A spokesperson for East Dorset District Council added: "The proposed change of use would lead to an undesirable intensification of the land, which would be inappropriate development in the green belt.

"By reason of the close proximity of the site to protected heathlands, any further applications on this site will be required to comply with the requirements of Natural England."