Agenda item

Four members of the public spoke on this item. The following points were made:

Sue Dabinett a resident of Kilmington, read out a statement from Helen Sacko the senior public affairs officer of the Kennel Club. The Kennel Club recognised the need to balance the interests of all users of public spaces. However, restrictions on dog walking should always be fair, proportionate and evidence based reflecting the needs of the whole community. There was concern on the impact for elderly and disabled residents many of whom depend on their dogs for companionship, mobility and well-being. Under the Equality Act of 2010 councils had a duty to ensure public spaces remain accessible and inclusive. The Kennel Club supported reasonable exclusions from enclosed play areas or courts provided there was suitable alternative spaces nearby and questioned if a full-time band on sports fields was necessary. Seasonal or time restrictions supported by clear signage were often far more practical and fairer. Blanket restrictions could cause displacement pushing dog walkers into unsuitable areas and creating new issues. In summary the Kennel Club supported the compromise solution proposed by the Killington community which offered a balanced inclusive and proportionate way forward for all residents.

Yvette Turner a resident of Kilmington, represented the Kilmington Dog Walking Group. She advised that the school and Cricket Club only use a part of the Playing Field during the summer months. There were no suitable alternative areas in Kilmington which elderly or less mobile residents could access to exercise their dogs off-lead safely. Ms Turner outlined a compromise position which would restrict dogs on-leads to the summer months only. Kilmington Dog Walkers Group proposed that the dog on-lead requirement should be removed and a new dog exclusion requirement between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September was applied. This compromise had worked well in other parts of Devon. The Group requested Cabinet supported this compromise, so that all residents of Kilmington could properly share in Arthur Hitchcock's generous legacy to enjoy the green open space.

Sandra Ward a resident of Kilmington, highlighted the need for a place where disabled people and those with mobility issues can exercise their dog safely off the lead. Currently disabled people and those with impaired mobility had to use country lanes which can result in dangerous incidents such as Ms Ward had experienced when walking her dog. She stated that the compromise position worked in other parts of the country and to consider the Council’s legal obligations and the needs of the whole community. She asked that Cabinet consider the compromise position.

Christopher Miller a resident of Kilmington, stated his house overlooked the recreation field which he had monitored over for the past few months, he said the field was hardly used. The field was empty for most of the day with a few people going there which was a waste of a beautiful green space. EDDC had delivered a consultation recently with many people taking part. The majority of residents had voted for the compromise which had been put forward, he asked Cabinet to consider this. His concern was that a recreation field which was left to all residents of Kilmington, would end up with not being used and that would be a waste of this green space.

The Chair thanked all public speakers for their contribution. He suggested that this item be brought back to Cabinet for officer input to be considered.  

Members noted the minutes and recommendations of the Overview Committee held on 30 September 2025, with the deferment of Minute 50.

Minute 50 Public Spaces Protection Orders consultation

To be deferred to the next meeting of Cabinet.

Minute 51 Public toilets programme review

1.     That an options appraisal is undertaken to influence direction of travel informed through the debate, to include flexibility around capital expenditure and early engagement with Town and Parish Councils and that the timing of the options appraisal aligns with the forthcoming stewardship report to Cabinet.

2.     That Officers have regard to the discussion and comments made by the Overview Committee at its meeting on 30 September 2025.