Homes plan for former equestrian centre site rejected over footpath fears
Plans to convert a former equestrian centre in Kingsley into three homes have been refused over concerns about the green belt and a public footpath.
By Cheshire Live
Plans to convert a former equestrian centre in Kingsley into three homes have been refused over concerns about the green belt and a public footpath.
Cheshire West and Chester Council rejected the application for the site on Hillfoot Lane, which is in open countryside within the protected green belt.
The proposal would have converted the existing building into three residential properties, with parking and garden areas.
The building was originally an indoor training centre with 14 stables. A design and access statement said the applicants bought the site in 1997 and continued to use it for equestrian purposes until the business closed in 2000.
Since then, the buildings have been used for personal purposes, the statement said. It added that there had been no interest in restarting the equestrian business.
The applicants argued that the site was too small for agricultural use and that the existing hardstanding and structures made it suitable for redevelopment. They also said the scheme would contribute towards housing targets by reusing a previously developed site.
Kingsley Parish Council objected to the plans, raising concerns about additional traffic and limited pedestrian access to public transport and local amenities.
Planning officers acknowledged that the proposal would provide three homes towards the council’s housing supply. However, they recommended refusal.
The council’s decision said the existing building was not of substantial construction and could not be converted for residential use without major reconstruction.
It also concluded that the proposed development would amount to inappropriate development in the green belt and would cause harm to it.
A further reason for refusal was that the plans would obstruct a public footpath.