ThE DEVELOPMENT of a farm between Whitchurch and Malpas has seen its planning application rejection go to appeal.

The land adjacent to Ashfields in Agden is the proposed site of a stable block and yard and the relocation of existing

access.

The application was refused by Cheshire West and Chester Council as the proposed construction would have been out of scale with its surroundings.

It would also have not been in keeping with the character and appearance of the countryside.

There were no concerns with the application from the parish council but local councillor Chris Whitehurst raised concerns over the size of the unit.

Applicants Keith Broom and Caroline Veitch wanted to build the stables to give a place for their horses to stay during cold weather spells.

A report by Simon Greenland, Cheshire West and Chester’s planning officer for the case, suggested that while the buildings met the planning requirements in many areas, the actual operational need of the building did not exist.

His report said that while the field may be in use for grazing of horses, this activity could take place anywhere and would not in itself provide justification for construction of new buildings.

Mr Greenland continued: “It is considered the proposed development would not have an unacceptable impact in respect of visual amenity, built heritage or highway safety.

“It is considered the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on health or quality of life, having particular regard to residential amenity.

“However, the scale of development proposed is not of an appropriate scale to its location in an open field, with no existing buildings or a dwelling to relate to.

“As such it would represent development in the countryside contrary to the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan.”

The appeal is now set to go to the secretary of state who will consider arguments from the applicants and the borough council before making a decision.

If anyone wishes to comment on the appeal, they can do so at acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk using the reference code APP/A0665/W/18/3193917.