Planning Services Monkton Park Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1ER

10 April 2019 Our Ref: SWLC.LPC.2760 Wiltshire Council (North) Planning Services Monkton Park Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1ER Dear Sir/Madam Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Re: Erection of proposed riding arena on land off Velley Hill Gastard Corsham Wiltshire SN13 9PU Please find enclosed a duly completed planning application for the erection of a proposed 20 x 40 metre riding arena at the above site. This land was the subject of planning permission for the change of use from agriculture to private equestrian use, and refurbishment and replacement of former agricultural buildings to provide 2 No detached stores and loose boxes. This was granted permission under reference N/10/03956/FUL, dated 22nd December 2010. That permission was implemented, and the paddock including the application site is used for private equestrian purposes. Permission has more recently been granted to use one of the stable buildings for holiday let purposes but that has not of course removed the established equestrian use. This was granted permission under reference 18/06198/FUL dated 19 September 2018. The total area of the paddock which is now in equestrian use extends to approximately 1.68 hectares. It comprises open pasture, bordered by a hedgerow and a low drystone wall along the boundary with the B3353 Velley Hill road. The wall is in fact higher on the inside as the land in question is lower than the road. The land lies within the southern part of the village of Gastard where there are pockets of low-density housing that front the road. In the far south east corner and north east corner of the paddock (adjacent to the village hall) there are vehicular accesses. Along the eastern boundary of the paddock (adjacent to the road) there is the former stables building referred to above which has recently been granted planning permission for use as holiday let accommodation. The proposed 20 x 40 metre riding arena is intended to be located in the north west corner of this paddock and will be rectangular in shape. The approximate extent of the site is shown on the aerial photograph below: - Aerial Photograph above showing approximate extent of proposed riding arena verged in red The purpose of this application is to construct the 20 x 40 metre arena on the paddock for the applicant’s private use in association with the existing planning permission on the land for equestrian use. It will require minimal ground works, comprising a conventional membrane with a rubber fibre mix surface. The arena will be bordered by a 1.25 m post and rail fence, details of which have been provided on the submitted drawings, although in and of themselves such fencing does not require permission where it is not adjacent to a highway (and it is noted that permitted development rights were not removed by the previous permission on the land). Wiltshire Core Strategy provides the relevant Development Plan for the area. Core Strategy Policy 51 (Landscape) seeks to ensure that developments protect, conserve, and where possible enhance landscape character. In relation to this proposal the proposed arena is a form of development that will be entirely in keeping with character of the existing equestrian paddock, which contributes in a positive way to the rural character of this part of the village. 2 Similarly, Core Policy 57 seeks to ensure high standards of design for all new developments. In this case, the proposed riding arena will be sited on land already used for the keeping of horses. It is a form of development which is typical of such a use and is acceptable in the countryside. The arena will be used by the applicant in association with the existing permission and as such this is a low key and modest proposal. Minimal grounds works are required, and there will be no detrimental impact on the character of the surrounding area or upon the amenity of any nearby property. Together with the duly completed application forms, the enclosed application comprises the following details. The necessary application fee of £234 has been paid separately. • CIL Additional Information Form • Drg LPC.2760 EX 01 Location and Site Plan I hope the enclosed information and above comments are sufficient to ensure your early approval of my client’s application, however if there is any aspect of the proposal you would wish to examine in more detail to ensure your support please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours faithfully Simon Chambers Director Cc Mr & Mrs Vaughan Enc: 3 .

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