PLANS for an equestrian facility on green belt land at Lymm have been approved by Warrington planners.
The scheme involves a change of use from agricultural land and buildings to equestrian use and associated works on land at Rushgreen Road and Reddish Crescent Rushgreen Road, Lymm, Warrington.
A similar application had been approved in 2017 but not implemented.
Approving the application under delegated powers, town planners say the proposed change of use of the land and building is not considered to be inappropriate within the Green Belt.
Als,o the proposed change of use of the land and building would not result in any adverse impact on the rural character of the area, local amenity or any adverse highways or ecology impacts.
The application site relates to a circa 2.6 hectare area of agricultural land located between the settlements of Lymm and Rushgreen. The land lies within Green Belt designated countryside, outside the boundaries of both settlements.
The site lies between Rushgreen Road to the south and Reddish Lane, a track and a registered Public Right of Way (bridleway), running along the northern
boundary. On the other side of this track runs a former railway line, now part of the Trans Pennine Trail. Reddish Crescent lies to the east.
An open-sided agricultural barn and two storage containers lie within the north-western corner of the site.
The proposal involves the change of use of the agricultural land to equestrian use, including conversion and change of use of the existing barn to 6 stables and a store room. The alterations to the existing barn would consist of the provision of new block work and timber panel walls to enclose the building on all four elevations. Stable doors will be included within the southern facing elevation.
It would also include the subdivision of the land into four paddock areas, divided by the installation of 0.9 metre high post and rail fencing with timber gates.
Planners say it is well established that equestrian activities are considered as outdoor sports and recreation. In principle, therefore, the change of use of the agricultural land and the agricultural barn would not be inappropriate within the Green Belt.
The use of the land for equestrian purposes would not be expected to result in any impact on the openness of the Green Belt at this location.
