Plans are afoot to create a dedicated park for dogs in a South Ayrshire village.

An application has been lodged with South Ayrshire planning chiefs to convert the former playpark to the rear of 1-10 Mure Place in Minishant into a sealed off zone solely for dog owners and their four-legged friends to exercise.

The plans would see the one and a half acre field located at the edge of Mure Place become a bookable space, with access via two locked gates. There would be a locked gate at the alley off Mure Place leading to the field and another at the field’s entrance.

E Design Architecture and Planning, on behalf of the applicant Mrs Sarah Tyson of Dalrymple, say that the dog park would ease problems related to dogs off the lead in public.

Their planning statement says: “The intention is to provide a safer better managed environment with an online booking system, containment, waste control and park rules to protect the environment and privacy and enjoyment of neighbouring properties away from livestock and traffic.

“Families can use the area for picnicking while their dogs play safely around them. It would give dog owners piece of mind on their walk knowing their pet is safe to play and be free without encroaching on farmers land, with vulnerable livestock.The paddock can also be used as a training facility for dogs.”

A chain link perimeter fence would be erected, about half a metre taller than the existing one.

Bins would be provided as would drinking water for the dogs, picnic benches and shelters for owners.