Telford stud farm plans attract objections
Developers behind plans for a new stud farm near Telford may find the going heavy after the scheme attracted more than a dozen objections from neighbours.
The proposals to create an equestrian centre at Rushmoor Paddock to serve the horse racing industry are being opposed by residents and businesses in the area.
Rushmoor Associates Ltd has lodged retrospective designs for stables, new road access and a pond.
However, objectors say the site, in Rushmoor Lane, Bratton, is too small for the operation.
Telford & Wrekin planning committee is due to discuss the application tomorrow at the request of Wrockwardine ward member Councillor Jacqui Seymour, who says the scheme amounts to over-development of the site.
Councillor Seymour says: "Normally I would support whole heartedly any equestrian business in the county, but I feel this particular site is not the right one for this business. There is less than four acres of land in the applicant's ownership, although he is renting another field nearby.
"These are thoroughbred horses and Rushmoor is a low-lying area which floods, so it is not very good ground.
Graze
"When I went to visit last winter, the larger field was half under water and a horse needs at least an acre to graze in.
"To breed horses you keep them outside most of the time, they are not inside the stable block.
"I am objecting on the grounds that the site isn't suitable and there's no supporting business plan, also the way that the applicant has behaved by changing the designs at the last minute, has given the planning officers no end of extra issues to look at."
Horses are already being kept at the farm.
But in a letter of support the chief executive of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Claire Sheppard states: "Stud farms make a considerable contribution to the rural economy, they are particularly environmentally friendly and our industry is an entirely appropriate participant in rural Britain."
The scheme is being recommended for approval by the planning officers after the business owner Mark Evans amended the designs.
The 3.16 acre site, former pasture land, was snapped up at auction for £45,000 in 2016. At the time it comprised a concrete yard, a fodder store, three stables and a tack room.
Around 15 studs are thought to be operating in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
Councillors will debate the application at a meeting at Addenbrooke House, Ironmasters Way, in Telford, at 6pm tomorrow.
