Plans for an indoor equestrian arena in Bere Ferrers have moved a step forward

Councillors have approved a proposal for Harling Farm – an area on the west side of Fore Street and opposite a group of farm buildings, within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The primary purpose of the arena would be to provide a facility for children with disabilities.

The arena will be new detached building about 70 metres long by 22 metres wide.

Twelve dark grey roof lights and seven non-reflective solar panel arrays will be on the roof.

The planning application was considered by the development management and licensing committee on Tuesday following concerns by the AONB Officer and landscape specialist about the visual impact of the project.

Nicola Quick, representing the applicant, outlined the case for the equestrian centre but said she felt a further assessment of visual impact was unnecessary.

“We cannot understand what a landscape visual impact assessment will provide over and above the extensive reports, surveys, photographs and cross-sectional drawings already provided – apart from costing the applicant even more thousands of pounds,” she said.

The council received six letters of support for the application which encouraged the creation of an all weather riding facility to benefit local riders and horses and suggested that it would be useful to hire for training ponies.

Cllr Brian Lamb from Bere Ferrers Parish Council added his voice in support of the application.

“This is an isolated peninsula with few recreational facilities, but there are over 300 horses kept within the parish,” he said.

“The owners will benefit from this school throughout the year for teaching children, adults, and those, of course, with disabilities.”

Although there was only one formal letter of objection to the proposals, it expressed concerns about increased traffic, increased noise, visual impact and suggested other locations would be more suitable.

However, Cllr Terry Pearce (Ind, Mary Tavy) was worried about what the construction would look like.

He said: “I do have concerns, when you look at the number of planning applications that come forward over the last two years, at the way that we appear to be nibbling away at the integrity of the area of outstanding natural beauty.”

The proposal will provide off-road riding facilities in an arena measuring over 1,500 square metres.

A lane will separate the new building from existing ones and planning permission has already been granted for a parking area on the northern side of the lane and a farm shop and café on the southern side, opposite the proposed new building.

Following the discussions, councillors approved the application, subject to some conditions.