Riding stables for SEND children at Land at Willett Road, Poole Wimborne

“Variation of Condition 4 of planning permission APP/10/01025/C (Change of use from agricultural land to the keeping of horses and erect stables) to allow the stables to be used as riding stables, providing facilities to teach SEND children riding, teamwork and social skills. The application form states that the use began in November 2025 and therefore the proposal is retrospective.”

“The application site is located to the north of the A31 and is accessed from a bridleway at the end of Willett Road. A footpath links the end of Willett Road to Oakley Hill. There is a vehicular access in the north west corner with a gate. There is a single storey stable block on the site built following grant of planning permission in 2010. The stable block is small in 19 Agenda Item 666a…”

“Retrospective change of use from agricultural land to dog training facility including: Lay a 5m x 3m strip of temporary hardstanding to be used for parking within the field boundary; Lay a gravel driveway to allow vehicle access to the field from Willet Road. Ref: APP/20/01470/F. Granted.”

“The Highway Authority would have concerns with any proposal that would intensify vehicle movements along an existing Bridleway, due to the potential conflict between vehicles and legitimate users of the Bridleway.”

“Planning Balance / Conclusion 45. The proposal provides a new community facility, it would preserve the openness of the green belt, the character of the area and the living conditions of occupants of neighbouring properties. However, the proposal would result in the intensification of vehicle movements along a Public Bridleway and increases the risk of conflict between vehicles and legitimate users of the Public Bridleway.”

“The key issue(s) involved with this proposal are: • Principle of development • Impact on the character and appearance of the area including the Green Belt • Highway safety…”

“These issues will be considered along with other matters relevant to this proposal below.”

“Good use of the land • Offers local employment and volunteering opportunities • Provides recreation for SEND pupils in a safe environment • Stables are well maintained • Cars are already safely accessing the site • SEND children really benefit • Small scale development will not generate much traffic • Provides significant therapeutic, educational, social and emotional benefits for SEND children • There are limited opportunities for recreational facilities for SEND children…”

“The Planning Team Leader proposed that the application be deferred and outlined the reasons for this proposal. It was clarified that if it was brought to the October meeting this would not be affected by the changes to the Planning scheme of delegation.”

“RESOLVED that the application be deferred to enable further assessment of the potential highway impacts of the proposed development and to allow additional consideration of the nature of the proposed use in the context of the revised National Planning Policy Framework.”