AN East Lancashire farming firm wants to turn a field into a secure dog walking paddock to combat a post-Brexit drop in income,

J and S Bradley have applied for planning permission for the scheme at its Farm House Farm in Burnley Road Altham .

The 0.4 acres of agricultural land would become a secure dog walking field to be utilised by private individuals and their dogs of approval is granted by Hyndburn Council.

A supporting documents with the application says: "The Bradley farming partnership has farmed at Farmhouse Farm for 82 years, commencing originally under the partnership of J & E Bradley & Sons and changing to its current business, J & S Bradley in 1993.

"The livestock farm provides both a sheep and beef enterprise with a flock of 120 sheep and 80 cows.

"The farm has, like many, relied upon Basic Payment Scheme for extra farm income, which has since Brexit started to reduce.

"By 2024 this income stream will have halved and by 2028 will have finished in its entirety.

"The farm business has made the decision to look to provide alternative income streams which will run alongside the farm business, utilising existing assets with minimal impact to the farm,

it's business and its surroundings.

"This application provides for the change of use of 0.4 acres of flat agricultural land to provide a secure dog walking field.

"Dog owners will book individual time allocations with 15 minutes provided for arrival and departure to prevent overlap.

"The hours of use are proposed as 8am until 4pm in the winter and 8am to 9pm in the lighter summer months.

"The field will be fenced with post and wire stock fencing to six feet in height and there will be a section alongside the boundary to the public footpath which would provide wind breaker netting for additional screening.

"Access will be via a coded padlocked pedestrian gate. two car parking spaces are to be provided to the North-West of the site utilising a hard-core area.

"An open wooden shelter style shed approximately six feet by three feet will be provided (with an earth floor) providing cover for the field users close to the entrance.

"A tap for boot and dog washing will also be located at the field entrance.

"The applicant will manage the venture himself with the help of his wife and there will not be any further employees required on site other, than those already used for the farm business."