Decision

To instruct legal services to give effect to (including by finalising and sealing) the decision by Environment Committee on 17 September 2026:
1. to extend the existing PSPO dog restrictions for a further three years with effect from November 2026, with the following variations:

(i) Introduce dog exclusion for the dedicated water play area, and informal play area adjacent, beach volleyball, basketball and pétanque courts at The West Green.
(ii) Require dogs to be kept on a short lead throughout the remainder of The West Green.
(iii) Introduce dog exclusion for the Place St Maur fountain footprint area, extending to the boundary of the coloured paved area and including associated drainage features, during periods when the fountains are operational.
(iv) Introduce seasonal on-lead restrictions in Hotham Park between 1 May and 30 September, limited to between 9am and 5pm (and retain the current restrictions).
(v) Retain the current Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) amounts for dog PSPO

Reasons for the decision

To maintain and improve controls on dogs in the district to reduce occurrence of dog faeces and maintain amenity having been satisfied that the relevant legal tests have been satisfied. The reasons are set out in more detail within the report to committee.

Alternative options considered

1) Not to extend the PSPO. This would mean that the existing PSPO dog restrictions would cease to have effect on 5 November 2026 and signage would need to be changed/removed. This would allow people to lawfully leave dog faeces and walk dogs without restriction in the public places including beaches, parks and playgrounds.
2) To extend the existing PSPO without variation. This would mean no additional controls would be introduced, including recommendations for Place St Maur, The West Green, and Hotham Park.
3) To make changes to the recommended variations. Significant departures from the restrictions upon which consultation has been undertaken may not meet the legal tests.