Shropshire equine centre plan sparks criticisms

Issues about drainage, flooding and traffic are among those raised by people regarding the proposal to create the centre off Moss Lane in Dudleston Heath, near Ellesmere.

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

It involves creating an outside "safe work area" for learners, where they will be able to familiarise themselves with the horses and undertake activities such as grooming, feeding and equine games.

A log cabin, which will be used as an indoor resource, and a permanent shed, which would provide storage for feed and bedding, are also proposed.

But 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."

Commenting on Shropshire Council's website Peter Jones added: "I echo the concerns of the parish council that inevitably, vehicular traffic down Moss Lane will increase, and these vehicles will obstruct the lane as it is not possible to turn.

"The proposal will increase the traffic down the lane and therefore there will be greater upkeep required, which will involve cause inconvenience to residents."

But commenting in support of the application, Kim McMuldrow said: "This application is one that I personally feel is a good idea and one that I know has been several years in the making.

"The land I feel lends itself well to such a project, which in itself would be of great benefit to many groups of children."

Documents in support of the application say: "The proposed site is located well away from and out of sight of residential properties and will have very limited impact in terms of amenity and visual impact upon the landscape."

Shropshire Council hopes to make a final decision on the scheme by January 29. People can comment on the application as part of the consultation into the scheme via the council website.