A world class equine rehabilitation centre in Penrith has been given the “giddy up” – not the neigh.
Karl Bowman, a long-established horse breeder who show-jumped at Grand Prix level, got the starter’s orders from planners for the ambitious project last week.
Speaking outside Penrith Town Hall after the decision, Mr Bowman told the Herald: “I am delighted, it’s really what the area needs. The local horse community will also be delighted that we can now press on and get this built.”
It represents a significant investment to the well-established rural business operated at the Hillandale site, Lakeland View, off Inglewood Road by the A6.
Accompanied by his planning agent, Daniel Addis, who has helped draw up plans for the project, Mr Bowman told Eden Council planners that it would initially create three additional jobs to the two roles which already exist.
The long-standing business offers competition livery or day-to-day horse care, and training for horses and riders, but would now expand the services it offers. The site, described as primarily brownfield land and close to a licensed scrap metal storage area, will see the existing buildings demolished.
A new, purpose-built equestrian building will be created to offer a range of high-quality facilities to support the new enterprise, which horse owners currently have to travel outside of the area to access.
Mr Bowman, a decorated show-jumper who has represented Great Britain as well as an acclaimed dress designer, told the Herald that the therapies and services offered would be a “real asset” to Eden and enhance services for horse owners.
“Our vision now is to build a forward-thinking specialist equine facility – offering a world-class rehabilitation service, along with training for both horses and riders,” said Mr Bowman.
“Through discussion with our clients and professionals within the industry, there is a huge local demand for what we are going to offer.
“We have support from the local horse community, vets, physios, osteopaths, coaches, race horse trainers and farriers, who will all benefit from the use the facility, along with the British Horse Society.
“This will really move the area forward so that people don’t have to travel outside of the area to get these sorts of services.”
Mr Addis, of Addis Town Planning, told planners on Eden Council sitting at Penrith Town Hall that the site was in a sustainable location to grow.
The application had attracted more than 30 letters of support, including many from those in the equestrian world and local vets, highlighting the need for the facility.
“There are no objections from the consultees and Penrith Town Council also has no objection,” said Mr Addis.
The only potential hurdle for planners was that part of the Hillandale area is an allocated housing site set-aside for gypsies and travellers which would be lost.
But councillors were told that there was already a “significant lack of demand” for such accommodation, with the existing facility “under-subscribed” with only 20 of 75 pitches in use, said Mr Addis.
He added that the council’s allocation of the land for further gypsy and traveller pitches, “should not prejudice how a landowner wishes to develop their land”.
John Hiscox, a planning officer with Eden, told the planning committee that while it was a “designated” site, the new scheme would not compromise future provision of gypsy and traveller sites for the council.
Mr Hiscox added that the new scheme would improve the landscape of the area and have a “positive” impact; recommending it be given the go-ahead.
“The application clearly demonstrates that there are no unacceptable issues and the benefits outweigh any harm,” he said.
Councillor Debra Wicks, vice-chair of Eden’s planning committee, said providing leisure services to people was important to Eden, and that she fully supported the application and urged fellow councillors to do so.
Planning panel member Deborah Holden said she too supported the project and that the new development would improve the area and the scrap metal storage which was “not very pretty”.
“I believe this would enhance the area for the local community as well as providing much-valued services. Having lost the equine service at Newton Rigg, I think this will fill that gap,” said Ms Holden.
The building will be 54 metres by 12m with a 3.3m lean-to either side and an overall height of 4.7m.
