PLANS for a new horse hospital in Southwick have been rejected by West Wiltshire District Council.

Councillors were urged to support the application for land at The Lodge, Hoggington Lane despite opposition from Southwick Parish Council. Parish councillors were concerned about the impact on traffic in the area and insisted Hoggington Lane is not suitable to deal with increased vehicular use. The application was for a block of 10 new loose boxes together with a menage, two lunging areas, two paddocks and an extension to an existing cattle building.

The equestrian training centre would be used by up to 11 horses at any one time. As well as objections from the parish council, a neighbour also complained that the centre would have an adverse impact on the local countryside.

But planning officers at West Wiltshire District Council said that neighbouring properties are far enough away from the application site for it not to affect them. They also pointed out that the highways authority had raised no objection to the increased use of Hoggington Lane. The applicants are expected to appeal the decision but have made no firm commitments at this stage.

12:56pm Thursday 28th February 2008

Print

Email this