Equestrian use and stable block at Land At (Os 7448 5213), Alfrick

What was proposed

The application sought equestrian use, demolition of an agricultural building, a stable block, a new access and hardstanding.

“This application seeks permission for an area of hardstanding a new access and erection of a stable block (including the demolition of the existing small agricultural building on site) as well as change of use of the land to equestrian (the proposal). The stable block will stand on the location of the existing agricultural building, thus the existing will have to be demolished to allow for the stables to be built.”

“This is a revised scheme following the refusal of a previous application for this proposal (24/00624/FUL). The revised proposals have removed any fencing or proposed subdivision and a Conservation Management Plan has been submitted during the course of the application.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 1.87-hectare pasture site lies outside Alfrick, within the Malvern Hills National Landscape, with residential properties, countryside and public footpaths nearby.

“The site is located within a small cluster of residential properties located along the rural lane known as Stocks Lane and the far northern field boundary of the site runs parallel with the southern carriageway edge. The western field boundary runs alongside the garden boundaries of residential properties and there is another separate residential property to the north east of the site.”

“The site lies within the former Malvern Hills National Landscape, which prior to 22 November 2023 was known as the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because fencing and subdivision were removed, conservation-led management was proposed, and the revised scheme overcame the previous refusal reasons.

“The current application has removed any fencing or proposed subdivision with the Planning Statement accepting that fencing can be restricted and controlled by condition attached to any planning permission granted. Additionally, a Conservation Land Management Plan (CLMP) has been submitted during the course of the application.”

“The main consideration is whether the revisions overcome the previous reason for refusal and if the development accords with the requirements of Policy SWDPR 54.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection subject to conditions, while the rights of way team sought protection for footpath access and the National Landscape team supported the management approach in principle.

“Malvern Hills National Landscape Planning Officer (Comment following submission of Conservation Land Management Plan 28/04/26): Thank you for re-consulting the Malvern Hills National Landscape Team on the Conservation Land Management Plan (CLMP) submitted in support of this application.”

“In addition, while the introduction of the rest periods is positive, even allowing for a flexible, adaptive approach based on conditions, we are not clear how the relatively short rest periods would allow sufficient time for plants to flower and seed and reflects best practice for restoring species rich neutral grassland.”

Officer report

Objections received

Six third-party objections raised concerns about landscape character, possible unauthorised commercial use, pollution and highway safety, with no support recorded.

“- Adverse impact on landscape character - Potential unauthorised commercial use - Pollution impacts - Access unacceptable impact on highway safety…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The parish council representative, an objector, the applicant, two ward members and four committee members addressed the committee.

The committee vote

A motion to approve in line with the officer recommendation was proposed, seconded and passed unanimously, with five votes for and none against.

“A motion to APPROVE planning permission, in line with officer recommendation, was proposed by Councillor D Godwin, seconded by Councillor J Michael and unanimously…”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The permission controls landscaping, biodiversity, access, manure, private use, conservation-led land management, fencing, equestrian equipment and the new access treatment.

“Manure generated from the development hereby permitted shall only be stored in the area as shown on the approved plans and as detailed within the Planning Statement and the approved Conservation Land Management Plan dated 13/04/2026. There shall be no burning of stable manure on site.”

“From the date of this permission the land and equestrian use shall be managed in complete accordance with the approved Conservation Land Management Plan dated 13/04/2026. In particular: - No permanent fencing or subdivision of the field; - Temporary fencing shall be low visibility, non-white, non-permanent and only used for short durations for management or welfare purposes; - No stationing of jumps and similar equipment, external storage, lighting or other equestrian…”

Officer report