The attached document outlines a proposal to make Paddington
Street Gardens North a designated area for
off-leash dogs, for the use of dogs and their handlers and
friends.
Despite widespread dog ownership, there is a fundamental lack of a
suitable dog friendly space in
the Marylebone area of central Westminster, the only alternatives
being open spaces and parks that
carry considerable risks for the safety and security of dogs,
owners and other users alike. The proposal is to turn the
underutilised Paddington Street Gardens North into an officially
designated dog park.
Started by: Marco Toschetti
This ePetition ran from 24/04/2023 to 09/10/2023 and has now finished.
138 people signed this ePetition.
Dear Mr Toschetti,
I hope this letter finds you well.
First of all, I want to thank you for taking part in the first public participation section of Full Council in June.
In the few months since hearing your petition at Full Council, I have had time to consider your petition, as well as work with officers at the Council to consider the feasibility of your proposal. I am writing to inform you of the steps I have taken since.
In the first instance, the Council's Parks Manager approached the Reverend Canon Dr Stephen Evans as the lead clergy for St Marylebone Parish Church and they spoke in person about the petition. Revd Evans informed us that the Church could not support the request to turn part of the Gardens into a safe space for dogs. This is primarily due to the fact that the Church is considered consecrated grounds as it is a resting place for burials.
In order to change the current operations of the gardens, the Council would have to make a faculty application. Revd Evans has informed us that even if such application was made, it would be outrightly refused.
Additionally, Parks colleagues at the Council have fed back that in their experience, it is often detrimental to the environment to turn specific areas into dog runs. They have informed me that dog urine often kills off flora and fauna over time and changes the PH in the soil making it very difficult to plant new turf in the area. This would make it impossible for our contractors to maintain the grounds to the high standard expected for Westminster.
I acknowledge the reasoning for your request, to set out a dedicated dog area allowing dogs off leads in the gardens, therefore encouraging healthier lifestyles for dogs and their owners. However, given the reasons outlined above, the Council is unable to agree to take the proposals further. As a result, the Council now considers this matter closed.
Thank you again for bringing this petition to Full Council and I do hope you will consider taking part in future meetings.
Yours sincerely,
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg
Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality