Replacement stable block at The Nurseries, Kidnappers Lane, Cheltenham

What was proposed

The application proposed removing existing stables, a barn and hardstanding and building a smaller stable block with new hardstanding in a different position.

“DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL 1.1 The application site is located to the south-west of Kidnappers Lane within an area of Local Green Space. The site forms part of a wider parcel of land in the same ownership as The Nurseries to the north. The applicants are seeking planning permission to demolish and remove an existing stables, storage barn and hardstanding, and erect a new stable block with hardstanding in an altered location.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier application for the same type of development was withdrawn because it had been submitted incorrectly as a householder application.

“Relevant Planning History: 24/02089/FUL WITHDRAWN 10th February 2025 Demolition and removal of existing stables barn/hardstanding and erection of new stable with hardstanding – application withdrawn as incorrectly submitted as a householder application.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The main issues were local green space, valued landscape, design and biodiversity net gain, with no amenity concerns identified.

“A letter of notification was sent to a neighbouring property, Leckhampton Lodge, and a site notice was posted on Kidnappers Lane. No representations have been received in response to the publicity. OFFICER COMMENTS 6.1 Determining issues 6.1.1 The key considerations in determining this application relate to Local Green Space; valued landscape; design; and biodiversity net gain. There are no amenity concerns arising from the proposals.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected over local green space, landscape views and public rights of way, while the ecology and rights-of-way advice set requirements for the scheme.

“30th July 2025 The site is located in a rural area and is not within or directly adjacent to any designated wildlife sites. The site is designated as Local Green Space covered by Policy Gl1 in the Cheltenham Plan “Development will not be permitted within a Local Green Space”. Should special circumstances be identified which permit this development, the below paragraphs cover ecology comments.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A landscape architect speaking in support said the replacement would improve visual amenity, protect views and maintain the area’s equestrian character.

Members’ questions

Members asked about the existing stable, public rights of way, green belt assessment, the viewpoint, permeable hardstanding and removal of the old structures.

“- the location and orientation of the proposed stable will not interfere with general views from the Public Rights of Way (PROW) in the field, with users retaining clear views along the route in both directions. He hoped that Members would support the recommendation to permit the scheme.”

“This site is not considered as grey belt and the application was therefore assessed as greenbelt development; - any suggestion or supposition that the proposed development would block the viewpoint allowing further development to be inserted behind the stable block was speculation and could not be taken into account; - the proposed hardstanding will be permeable; - the area currently occupied by the old stable block and hardstanding will be returned to green land when the…”

Minutes