A matter of opinion on riding plans

Residents who opposed plans for a gipsy caravan park just outside Southwell have welcomed new proposals that could see the site used as an equestrian centre.

But Southwell Town Council planning committee on Wednesday objected to the proposal for the centre on land opposite Normanton Hall, Normanton.

Plans submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council include a stable block for six horses, an office, toilets, tackroom and carpark.

A four bedroom house would be built for the stable manager.

In 2005 plans submitted to turn the site into a gipsy caravan park with 18 pitches attracted widespread opposition.

Another application was submitted in the same year for six executive homes.

The caravan park application was refused by the district council and the second application was withdrawn.

Town planners have objected to the latest plans because the development was outside the village envelope, there were road safety issues for horses leaving the site and they did not think it was necessary for a stable manager to live on site.

Mr Andy Gregory said: “For the stabling of six horses I don’t think there is a requirement to have a residential build.”

Mr Paul Handley said once the house and stables were built there was no way to make sure they were used as an equestrian centre.

“Tacking these stables on is clearly a way of building a very fine residence on a very fine site,” he said.

The plans for the equestrian centre have been submitted on behalf of Mrs Hayley Jackson of Willows Farm, Kirklington, by her agent Beresford Webb.

The owner of Normanton Hall, Mr Philip Burley, supported the equestrian centre plans because it would be returning the land to its original use.

“The plans look very well thought out,” he said. “The field had horses on it for more than 100 years. It was originally land belonging to the hall and would have been used for grazing.”

Mr Michael Carby of Corkhill Lane, Normanton, said: “It would be much better than having a gipsy caravan park on the site and I’m sure there is a requirement for a stables in the area.”

Mrs Lyn Morris of Corkhill Lane, Normanton, said: “It sounds like a rather useful amenity so I don’t think I’d have any objections.”

Mr Robert Evans of Corkhill Lane, Normanton, said he didn’t think the site was suitable for development.

“I think it would open the way for other people in the village with land to say they wanted to build a house here and I believe it would open up development for this area.

“I think there is plenty of land in the area that would be more suitable for a riding school.”

Mrs Jackson did not respond when the Advertiser tried to contact her.