Access fears blocks Shropshire equine centre plans

The application to create the centre off Moss Lane in Dudleston Heath, near Ellesmere, was turned down by Shropshire Council because of safety fears.

The council, which threw the plans out using delegated powers, also believed the scheme was unsustainable.

Meanwhile, issues about drainage, flooding and traffic were among those raised by people during the consultation into the proposal.

A report by Shropshire Council case officer Mark Perry said: "It is considered that the proposed development does not benefit from adequate arrangements to ensure that users can safely access the site.

"As such the proposal is not safe and accessible to all, and does not constitute sustainable development.

"At the time of the site visit the field was significantly water-logged although it is acknowledged that this was after a prolonged period of rainfall.

"There is no space for vehicles to turn around at the end of the track unless they are able to enter onto the application site or by using one of the neighbour's driveways."

Shropshire Council received several letters from the public and the parish council during the consultation who raised concerns about road safety, flooding and noise.

Anne Howls, clerk to Ellesmere Rural Parish Council, said: "Moss Lane is an unadopted and unmade narrow lane with a poor surface.

"Regard should be taken of the difficulties with disabled persons using this lane, either on foot or in wheelchairs.

"Access from Moss Lane to the B5068 has poor visibility.

"Although the B5068 has a 30mph limit, at this point, view of traffic approaching from the east is extremely limited.

"Large sections of the site are prone to flooding throughout the year, not just during the winter period."

The applicant, Jill Higginson, is a qualified nurse who wanted to use her love of horses to provide an equine-assisted learning centre.

It would have involved creating an outside "safe work area" for learners, where they would have been able to familiarise themselves with the horses and undertake horse-related activities such as grooming, feeding and equine games.

A log cabin, which would have been used as an indoor resource, and a permanent shed, which would have provided storage for feed and bedding, were also proposed.