Equestrian stables and grazing at Land 125M ESE Of Knowehead Farm Blackburnmill Highway, Strathaven

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1. The application seeks approval for the use of part of an existing agricultural field for an equestrian stable and grazing business. The site extends to 0.94 hectares and occupies part of the existing agricultural field. No details of how the site would be bound within the existing field have been submitted.”

“The existing horse shelters are of a basic construction containing three timber sides, open fronts and a corrugated roof. The new access would be off Blackburnmill Highway. The applicant advises in the supporting planning statement that the individual fields are leased to private horse owners who are responsible for the care of their own horses.”

“Site Description 2.1. The application site is located within the designated green belt, approximately 60 metres East of Knowehead Farm, Blackburnmill Highway, Strathaven. The application site is within an agricultural field which gradually slopes down in a southerly direction and is bound to the east and south by mature trees and shrubs and a hedgerow and fence along the northern boundary of Blackburnmill Highway.”

“Residential properties are located to the south and east of the site with Knowehead farm located to the west. There is an existing field gate access to the east of the site off Blackburnmill Highway, which is outwith the site boundary and is not part of this proposal. The applicant proposes a new access approximately 40 metres west of the existing field access.”

“The change of use of part of the agricultural field for the equestrian business, is not considered to have a significant detrimental impact on biodiversity or trees at this location. However, the extensive works which would be required to achieve a suitable access would have a significant detrimental impact on the local biodiversity, the felling of numerous trees and the reduction of the existing hedgerow.”

“Conclusion Equestrian businesses generally require access to grazing land and shelters and as such are more suited to rural locations. However, a safe access to such sites is required for larger vehicles including horse boxes and delivery vehicles.”

“Consultations 6.1. Roads Development Management – Objects to the proposal as there is not sufficient visibility at the proposed junction/access. Response: Noted. Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services objected to the previous application P/24/1185 for a dwellinghouse at this location. The applicant was advised of the required visibility splays prior to submitting this application.”

“Environmental Services – No objection to the proposal. Response: Noted.”

“Representations 7.1. Following the statutory period of neighbour notification and advertisement, no valid representations have been received.”

“P/25/1301 for Use of Agricultural Field for Equestrian Stables and Grazing at Land 125 Metres East Southeast of Knowehead Farm, Blackburnmill Highway, Strathaven A report dated 5 May 2026 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on planning application P/25/1301 by D Bavaird for the use of an agricultural field for equestrian stables and grazing at land 125 metres east southeast of Knowehead Farm, Blackburnmill Highway, Strathaven.”

“The Committee decided: that planning application P/25/1301 by D Bavaird for the use of an agricultural field for equestrian stables and grazing at land 125 metres east southeast of Knowehead Farm, Blackburnmill Highway, Strathaven be refused for the reasons detailed in the Executive Director’s report.”