A DOG trainer could be forced to give up her 'dream job' after her fledgling business faces a legal challenge.

Charlotte Smith launched BarkRun, a dog park on land off Beggarmans Lane in Knutsford, in October last year.

The 28-year-old has been running the dog exercise area under permitted development rights as she awaits the outcome of a planning application to make the use permanent.

However, Cheshire East Council has now served an enforcement notice.

This means all the dog exercise equipment must be removed and the land returned to its former agricultural use within two months.

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Knutsford Guardian: Charlotte Smith says the open land provides a safe and secure space for owners to exercise their dogsCharlotte Smith says the open land provides a safe and secure space for owners to exercise their dogs

The fields belong to Phil and Janine Simons, parents of her partner Nic, and have been rented to farmers and for horses for around 40 years.

Launching her business 10 months ago, Charlotte said: “This land has a good secure fence so dogs who struggle with nervous behaviour can relax.

“Owners have said it is a fantastic space and gives them a chance to build a bond with their dogs.

“I absolutely love being around dogs. I always enjoy working outside.

“This is my dream job.”

Knutsford Guardian: Charlotte Smith competing at Crufts where she has won countless awardsCharlotte Smith competing at Crufts where she has won countless awards

Fresh plans, submitted by Whirleymere Ltd to change the use of the field into a dog exercise area, have been amended following issues raised by residents.

People are still objecting claiming the business causes noise and increased traffic.

A resident in Ashworth Park said: ”This is valuable agricultural land and should be kept as such.

“Access will result in increased traffic, dangerous parking and increased noise and disruption.

“Nervous and aggressive dogs could present a danger to young children.”

A resident in Beeston Drive complained about the operating times.

A design and access statement, prepared by Wharfe Rural Planning on behalf of Charlotte, said: “The scheme would not have an unacceptable effect upon the living conditions of occupiers of neighbouring properties.”

The maximum number of dogs allowed per person has been reduced from eight to three and there will be no more than nine dogs on site at any one time.

In summer the business would open from 9am to 7pm Wednesday to Saturday and from 9.30am to 5pm on Sundays.

In winter, hours would be 9am to 3pm Wednesday to Saturday and 9.30am to 3pm on Sundays.

Knutsford Guardian: Charlotte Smith celebrating success at Crufts with Vinny, a Hungarian vizslaCharlotte Smith celebrating success at Crufts with Vinny, a Hungarian vizsla

Dog owners who regularly use the park are supporting the bid.

A resident in Grove Park said: “I find this facility essential in providing a safe and secure environment for responsible dog owners to walk their dogs.”

A resident on Faulkners Lane said: “I have never witnessed any excessive noise.

“Only two or three cars are parked there.”

A Cheshire East Council spokesman said: “An enforcement notice was issued on July 14 to take effect on August 16.

“It requires the land to be returned to its former use as agriculture within two months.

“The notice requires the unauthorised use of the land as a dog exercise facility, including associated development such as dog exercise equipment including tunnels, jumps, tyres to cease and the equipment removed.

“The owner could seek to appeal the notice prior to it taking effect.”

To view and comment on the plans, search reference 22/2715M on the council's online planning portal.