PLANS for new stables and construction of an outdoor horse riding area look set to be rubber-stamped, despite concerns of a parish council around flooding, traffic and building on greenfield land.

Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee is recommended to approve an application for the new facilities on land at Marsh Lane in Kings Marsh when it meets next week.

The application had been called in to the committee by former Farndon ward councillor Paul Roberts as he considered the proposals would conflict with the local plan – the overarching strategy by which councils judge applications.

He also claimed ‘few changes’ appeared to have been made since the previous application was withdrawn. Councillor Roberts’s successor, Councillor Waddelove, has upheld the call in – meaning it must be discussed by the committee.

The application site is an area of farmland almost eight acres in size, surrounded by agricultural land to the north, south, east and west with the nearest residential property located approximately 90 metres to the south.

The proposed development seeks permission for the erection of a stable building, storage building and construction of an outdoor riding arena. The proposed stable block would contain five loose boxes in addition to a tack room and a feed room. The proposed storage building would provide storage for a tractor, trailer, horse box and hay.

Amended plans have been received during the consideration of the application. The location of the stable block, storage building and riding arena have been altered and relocated approximately 15 metres south so that the proposal would not interfere with the public right of way.

A total of 14 objections to two rounds of proposals have been received from the public, as well as formal objection from the parish council. Its objections claim that:

There are no pre-existing buildings on this greenfield site and it will set a precedent.

Revised plans make no difference.

Appearance of buildings remain industrial, out of keeping.

Lane is unsuitable for heavy vehicles and the development will cause further damage.

The lane is subject to surface water flooding over the winter months and the development will increase flow into nearby ditches.

Recommending approval subject to conditions, a report to the committee said  the proposed development was acceptable in principle given its countryside location.

It said: “The design of the proposed development would respect the character and appearance of its rural setting.

“Subject to appropriate conditions being imposed, there would also be no unacceptable impact on amenity, highway safety, drainage, biodiversity or pollution.

It added: “As such, it is considered that the proposed development accords with the relevant provisions of the development plan.”