Plans have been submitted for a new dog playing field in the South Downs National Park.

The fenced facility would be run by Paw Paddock in a field to the east of Folkington Lane in Polegate.

According to plans submitted to South Downs National Park Authority the area, which dog owners would be able to hire, would provide a protective setting for a maximum of four dogs to walk and play at the same time.

It would be fenced off with 6ft high deer fencing to keep the dogs enclosed in the outdoor space.

There would also be a small shelter space in the field.

Paw Paddock, which has playing fields across the county, said the idea is to give dog owners a place where their pets can roam freely without risk.

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It said that only dogs who know each other will be using the site at the same time, which means there should be no noise complaints as they will be familiar with each other and therefore less likely to bark.

The site would have a small parking area inside the fence line.

Paw Paddock said: "Paw Paddock has a need for a rural location due to its very nature, the exercising of dogs off the lead is not safe within an urban area and, naturally, our customers desire a pleasant countryside setting in which they can give their beloved dogs space to run.

"The idea behind this application is driven by a huge demand to be able to allow dogs dealing with social or behavioural difficulties to walk freely without the fear of loss or interaction with other dogs/wildlife. 

"This proposal will be offering a new facility that can benefit many in the local area, with the closest similar site being our own well established and highly successful site in Ashington.

"The site has been carefully considered to ensure good existing access with sensitivity towards any local residence."

Paw Paddock already has land for dog owners to hire in places such as Worthing, Horsham and Ashington.

People can hire out the paddock areas for either £6 for 25 minutes or £11 for 55 minutes.

A decision on whether to approve the plans will be made by July 23.