“Lack Of Facilities”: Planning Body Dismisses Appeal for Equestrian Center Redevelopment

The Northbrook Equestrian Centre has been of equestrian goodness for the people in need. Resting on the outskirts of Offord Cluny, the establishment has acted as a riding school and a therapy center for enthusiasts in the region. Contests, grooming, and well-being look to have gathered a community in tranquillity. However, to the upset of many, the center seems to have found itself in an uncertain situation.

The equestrian center was recently proposed to undergo development by the owners. A case of beneficial means, right intentions, and collective challenges, however, ran into a clash to draw unsatisfactory remarks for one of the parties.

The cited proposal by the owners

The owners of Northbrook Equestrian Centre initially presented a plan to use the organization’s property for housing development to the Huntingdonshire District Council. However, the appeal was pushed further to The Planning Inspectorate following the council’s indecisiveness within the given time period. The idea of redevelopment was suggested by the owners, who wished to retire and find another source.

The proposal included 28 housings intending to focus on sustainable development; reports The Hunts Post. Furthermore, the owners also suggested that 40 percent of the houses would be made available as affordable housing. However, with the conflicting interests of the planning commission, the proposal received a dismissal. The authority cited a series of reasons why the plan would not be issued a ‘go ahead’. All of which pointed towards the impact the rural area would bear; primarily highlighting the ‘lack of facilities’ and the number of people residing.

The equestrian center to retain its form

One of the first arguments the planning inspector pointed out was the ‘inappropriate location’ of the equestrian center. Due to its necessity to adorn wider spaces, the establishment stands isolated and several miles away from the nearby village. “Residents of the proposed dwellings would need to travel in order to access the services and facilities that they are likely to require on a regular basis, given the lack of facilities in the immediate surroundings of the appeal site,” a statement read.

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Furthermore, the use of private cars regularly and the lack of distinguished spaces for pedestrians and cyclists made the list. The authority was of the opinion that newer implementations for the sake of providing facilities would hold an ‘urbanizing effect’ on the area. “Therefore, the creation of a more domestic form of development would result in an erosion of the rural character,” the further remarks read. The owners of the equestrian center are yet to comment. Nonetheless, the organization continues on for now.

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