PLANNERS have granted permission for a patch of Inverkip farmland to be used as a dog exercise field.

The retrospective application was made by Run Free Dog Fields Ltd for ground at Finnockbog Road, near Berfern Farm.

The company says dog walkers and owners will be able to bring their dogs to a secure site where they can be let off the leash and kept away from the public, other dogs and traffic.

Customers will book slots online and be provided with a PIN code to access the field.

Opening hours are expected to be 7am-9.30pm apart from months where daylight is restricted.

In the statement submitted with their bid, the applicants said the facility was 'greatly needed' and would be an 'excellent asset' to the community.