Equestrian facility with 15 stables at Land AT Foden Lane, Alderley Edge

“Prior to commencement of the existing unauthorised development being carried out, the application site consisted of a series of undeveloped agricultural fields used for the growing of crops. Field boundaries are defined by mature trees and hedgerows.”

“The site is occupied by a business which provides full livery. The business also offers specialist services for breeding and training horses, provides full rehabilitation for horses recovering from injuries and operations and takes in horses for behaviour training.”

“There is no recorded planning history relating to the application site itself; however, the below application relates to the former premises occupied by the applicant (Land at 66 to 72 Knutsford Road, Chorley, Alderley Edge):”

“23/2623M – approved – May 2025 Detailed planning application on previously developed land (Brownfield) for residential development (use class C3) comprising the demolition of existing buildings and structures and the erection of 9no. dwellings with associated access, parking, landscaping and infrastructure…”

“Other matters relating to amenity, highways, public rights of way, ecology and trees are found to be acceptable and carry neutral to positive weight. However, this is not sufficient to clearly outweigh the identified Green Belt harm, in addition to the additional harm the development would have on the character of the area.”

“Accordingly, the proposal would amount to an inappropriate form of development in the Green Belt and very special circumstances to clearly outweigh this harm do not exist. The development would conflict with the fundamental aim of Green Belt policy to keep land permanently open. The application is therefore recommended for refusal.”

“Environmental Protection – No objection. Information relating to noise and contamination provided for the applicant / developer’s attention.”

“OFFICIAL 7.4. National Grid – Proposal is close by to National Grid Electricity Lines and tower ZE449. Initial holding objection regarding proximity to National Grid Infrastructure.”

“Chorley Parish Council: - Strongly object - Green Belt open countryside - Address shown as Nether Alderley is incorrect - Insufficient detail regarding manure management - Access to Carr Lane is private - Foden Lane is a narrow country lane - Staff toilet facilities unclear - Uncertainty regarding 24 hour care for horses - Do not agree that rehabilitation horses require less grazing space - Welfare issues of a business close to a transmission tower - Close neighbour…”

“Comments were received from three addresses objecting to the proposal for the following reasons: - Issues with existing highway (narrow, speeding, poor signage) - Poor visibility for site access - Flaws with highway survey - Surrounding fields are a habitat for wildlife - Light pollution - Noise pollution - Buildings will be visible particularly in winter months - No consideration for footpath users - No attempt to complete necessary hedge cutting, drainage or boundary…”

“Consideration was given to the above planning application.”

“Members noted the content of the update report.”

“That application 24/1261M be REFUSED as detailed in the Officer’s report for the following reasons;”

“The proposed large scale equestrian facility would not preserve openness and as such it would involve an inappropriate form of development in the Green Belt. It would also fail to preserve openness and would cause additional harm by way of encroachment into the countryside. There are no very special circumstances which would clearly outweigh this harm.”

“The proposal would have an adverse effect on the character of the site within its countryside setting. The proposal would introduce new and substantial built form and urbanising ancillary paraphernalia eroding the open rural character of this area, contrary to Cheshire East Local Plan policies SD 2, SE 1, SE 3 and SE 4; Site Allocation and Development Policies Document policies GEN 1, ENV 3 and ENV 5; and Chapter 15 of the National Planning Policy Framework which…”