Equestrian centre clears the final fence of planning meeting
PROPOSALS for an indoor riding centre and associated facilities on Fort Road have been approved by the Development & Planning Authority.
A two-storey equivalent timber and metal building measuring 65m. by 33m. was granted with conditions.
It will be privately funded and will provide space for indoor equestrian and other sporting events.
It was pointed out during an open planning meeting yesterday that the centre is intended for use by individuals and small groups for 95% of the time.
‘Members of the authority heard numerous submissions both for and against the scheme at an open planning meeting this afternoon,’ said a DPA spokesman.
‘Following this, the committee visited the site before reaching its decision to approve the application.
‘The committee’s approval is subject to a number of conditions, mainly intended to mitigate any potential adverse effects of the planned development.’
The conditions address matters such as potential noise from public address systems, access and parking, limitations on use and provision of external recycling bins.
Several of those who spoke at the meeting said that they believed the plans did not represent a commercial entity, with applicant Susie Farnon saying: ‘We hope to meet the running costs.’
One of the main concerns at the meeting concerned access to the site.
A new entrance road will be formed south of the current access road around the site at Croutes Havilland.
Traffic & Highway Services had not raised any objections.
‘The road is classified as a traffic priority route within the traffic management hierarchy. The carriageway geometry is straight, with good sight lines for approaching drivers of where the access would be located and vehicles emerging from it.’
This was shown by Mrs Farnon, during her presentation, as preferable in comparison to the access road from the Fermain Tavern further along the road.
The plans include parking for 11 spaces outside the centre and an overflow parking area suitable for up to 100 vehicles.
Speaking on behalf of the Riding for Disabled, its chairman, John Bracegirdle, said the benefits of horse riding for those with a broad spectrum of difficulties were unavailable for the winter months due to waterlogged fields in outdoor facilities.
‘An indoor riding centre will be a godsend,’ he said.
