Owner’s joy as Telford stud farm gets go-ahead

The proposals to create an equestrian centre at Rushmoor Paddock to serve the horse racing industry were opposed by residents and businesses in the area who argued that the site was too small for the enterprise.

Rushmoor Associates Ltd's retrospective designs for eight stables, new road access and a pond at the premises in Rushmoor Lane, Allscott, have been given the green light after making changes to the designs.

The amended scheme was approved with conditions by Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Delighted owner Mark Evans, of Rushmoor Stud, said: "I would like to place on record my appreciation to the planners for all their hard work during our application period as they worked extremely hard under difficult circumstances which helped provide a positive outcome for small rural businesses.

"It has been a long and difficult journey, but I am delighted with the outcome of the committee meeting and pleased that common sense prevailed. I am looking forward to moving our business forward from here.

"This is the start of a long journey for us as a business but we want to work closely with all concerned with putting Telford on the map for breeding top quality racehorses using world class stallions."

The stud farm, which is also renting a nearby 10-acre field for grazing, has the backing of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. Horses are already being kept at the revamped stables situated between Longdon upon Tern and Allscott.

There are plans for an official opening of the stud in the new year.

However, Wrockwardine ward member, Councillor Jacqui Seymour, said she was disappointed with the committee's decision as Rushmoor's had amended the plans at the 11th hour after being slapped with a legal notice.

"Despite not having planning permission and also despite a number of warnings, the applicant has continued to build the stables, including a supposedly new storage element with very distinct domestic features such as a balcony, patio doors, kitchen - until finally served with a Temporary Stop Notice," Councillor Seymour said.

She also said residents were concerned that the operation will lead to traffic issues, the land condition and result in a potential plan for accommodation at the site.

The 3.16 acre site, former pasture land, was snapped up at auction for £45,000 in 2016 when it comprised a concrete yard, a fodder store, three stables and a tack room.