Plans have been submitted for a dog play park in Overseal.

The Field of Dreams Dog Park in Green Lane has already been operating, but its owners have now applied for retrospective planning approval after a resident complained to the council.

South Derbyshire District Council will make a decision in the next few months.

Karen Wood, who owns and runs the site, said the park opened in April and now has a client base of 145, totalling more than 160 dogs.

"That's 160 dogs that are not loose in public places and parks", she said.

She says the park has been a huge benefit for dog owners who can use the site to let their pets off their leads safely without the risk of them being dubbed a "nuisance" or being attacked.

Mrs Wood told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It's been a labour of love getting it set up, we have been operational since April, and the feedback and support from people has been nothing but positive, small dogs don't get attacked by other dogs and bigger dogs are allowed to run free and their owners are not get stressed.

"It is not common to have the land to provide this service, as land is often over priced and developers are in a much better position financially to outbid us.

"Field of Dreams is located in the ideal location, away from main road traffic but close enough for people who do not have transport to use.

"Dogs are having a fantastic time can run free enjoying the agility course and play equipment available for them to use.

"It was all set up and created in collaboration with other dog lovers in our wonderful village of Overseal.

"They said 'If they build it, they will come' and oh boy have they, just look at some of the comments we have received since opening they are amazing, so we know we are providing a fantastic safe service.

"We were unaware that there was a need for planning when we started up, as there was no real change of use to the field, other than from horses to dogs and an upgrade in fencing.

"We had no idea a complaint had been lodged by anyone, hence the need for planning, after a visit from an enforcement officer from the council following the complaint.

"We had no idea we had upset anyone as we have had nothing but praise and positive feedback, we were so surprised and upset."

The planning document submitted by Mrs Wood with her application says: "With the increase in dog thefts and women being attacked and having their dogs stolen while walking, this is a much-needed facility to keep both dogs and the public safe."

It details how the field has been used to keep horses for more than 15 years.

Dog owners will be able to book the field for an hour at a time, with a 15-minute interval between bookings.

The park's Facebook page details that it costs £10 per hour for a maximum of four dogs at a time for exclusive use of the facilities.

The site also has a range of agility equipment for dogs to run around and over, including ramps, tunnels and tyre courses.