A planning application has been submitted to create 600-square-metre horse turnout paddock in Biddulph.

The plans were submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council by a Mr and Mrs Smith, and propose creating the turnout area on Green Belt land off Baileys Bank, Biddulph.

The paddock would accompany a recently approved stable building nearby and would be enclosed by a 1.2m high fence.

A statement prepared on behalf of the applicants by Rob Duncan Planning Consultancy explained: "The proposed turn out paddock is an appropriate facility for outdoor sport and recreation, and by virtue of its flat and open nature, will not derive any harm to the openness of the Green Belt.

"The proposal is, in effect, of a similar appearance and impact to the adjacent manege, which was found to constitute an appropriate form of development by the Local Authority.

"I therefore consider the submitted proposal to amount to an appropriate form of development within the Green Belt."

It adds: "In terms of visual impact considerations, this site is long established in equestrian use, and benefits from an existing manege enclosed by post and rail fencing and hedgerow, along with a range of stable buildings which have been granted consent to be replaced.

"In views along Bailey's Bank the turnout area will have no adverse impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, as it will relate well to its existing equestrian surroundings and facilities."

The district council will have the final say on the plans at a later date.

If you would like to see the application in full, click here.

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