PLANS for a private equestrian centre near Newent have been given the go-ahead.

The scale of the stable block at Paunt House Barn and its impact on views of the countryside were among the objections raised by nearby residents and Pauntley Parish Council.

The Forest Council’s development management committee gave permission after being tolld there were no valid planning reasons to reject it.

“Having considered the proposal against the Development Plan and all other material planning considerations officers are satisfied that the development would constitute an acceptable form of development and would not result in unacceptable impacts.”

Resident Catherine Avery told the committee the stable block was “enormous”.

She added: “In spite of a small reduction in size, it will still dominate the settlement, and by any definition, it cannot be described as fitting naturally into the existing landscape.

“Nothing will reduce the overall visual impact of it. It will be seen from miles around.”

Chair of Pauntley Parish Council, Cllr Andrew Robbins, said they were not against a change of use of the land or building stables.

He said: “However, we are concerned about its size and position, and its detrimental visual impact.”

There were also concerns about the finished height of the building because of different levels in the ground.

Cllr Philip Burford, (Ind, Hartpury and Redmarley), who had asked that the application was put before the committee, requested a deferment for a thorough landscape proposal.

Cllr Jonathan Beeston (Con, Newent and Taynton), who asked what was to prevent a future commercial use, was told the application had to be considered on the terms it was presented.

He said: “There are understandable issues here, particularly around the scale of the building, the existing structures on the site have been a concern and that it could ultimately become a commercial equestrian operation.

“The principle of private equestrian use in the countryside location is obviously accepted.

“The scheme has been reduced during the negotiations, and we have no objections from environmental health, the lead local flood authority, public rights of way, and I don't think Natural England raises any issues subject to mitigation.

“I'm also reassured that there will be no other activities, commercial breeding, riding, or events businesses.

“The manure arrangements have been amended, and the development delivers biodiversity gains, including the orchard.”

Cllr John Francis (Ind, Longhope and Huntley) said the parish council and residents would have to be “vigilant” over any supposed breaches of the conditions attached to the planning permission.

Cllr Richard Burton (Green, Newnham), proposed accepting the recommendation to give officers delegated powers to approve the application.

He said it was “obvious” there were no valid grounds to reject the application.

Committee chair Cllr Dave Wheeler (Green, Newland and Sling) said: “I'm pleased to see the additional condition that basically says that the developer will produce details of the existing and proposed lowered ground levels.

“Our considerably preferred option is for the land to be lowered.”

There were nine votes for the recommendation with two abstentions.