A DOG walking facility could be created just seconds off East Lothian’s busiest road.

Plans have been submitted to East Lothian Council to create the “much-needed” facility to the south of the Wallyford Junction of the A1.

Craig Gammage, who is behind the proposals, said the potential site, which would feature two large fields surrounded by a 1.7m-tall fence and shelters, next to the former Crookston School, had been “carefully chosen”.

A supporting document said: “This development would provide a much-needed facility for the local area, which could be utilised by both professional dog walkers and members of the public to exercise their dogs in green open space in a safe and responsible manner.

“The site has been carefully chosen for its safety of access as well as its secluded position.

“Many dog walkers have noted that these facilities have been a life saver and the demand for these facilities is projected to grow as the number of dog owners continues to increase across the country.

“The site will be maintained to the very highest of standards and would provide a great asset for the local population to enjoy visiting.”

READ MORE: Plans revealed for new dog walking facility near Meadowmill

The document notes that the site is close to both Edinburgh and Musselburgh “but in a secluded location”.

According to the plans, the field would be available for use from 9am to 5pm during the winter and from 8am to 9pm during the summer.

The field could be booked in half hour slots, which could mean up to four vehicles visiting the site per hour.

The supporting statement also claims that, if approved, the facility would also benefit the surrounding area.

READ MORE: North Berwick: Dog-walking facility gets go-ahead despite concerns

It reads: “Dog parks encourage members of the public to visit rural areas and exercise their dogs in a responsible manner.

“Facilities of this nature decreases the number of dog walkers using public parks and therefore reduces the associated costs for the council of collecting and processing dog waste.

“All waste from this facility will be collected twice per week and processed by a licensed waste management firm.

“This facility would support the rapidly growing sector of professional dog walking businesses which rely on dog walking fields as part of their business operations

“There is a large projected population increase in the area due to new houses being built in Wallyford, Whitecraig, Tranent, Blindwells, Prestonpans and Musselburgh.

“This facility would provide these residents with a secure space to exercise their dogs.

“There have been an increasing number of conflicts between dog walkers and landowners due to the increase of livestock worrying incidents.

“Facilities of this type allow dog walkers to access the countryside responsibly without any chance for a livestock worrying incident to take place.”