Plans for an equestrian centre catering to people with disabilities have been rejected by a council over concerns it would be too large for the area and would impact green belt land.
Applicant Rowntree Equine Therapy Ltd submitted plans for the facility to Gedling Borough Council in July 2024.
The proposed site is on Longdale Lane, Ravenshead, where a manège and paddocks already exist.
Proposals included a riding arena alongside stables for four horses and space for qualified coaches, allowing four people to use the space at any one time.
A classroom was also planned at the centre for specialist equine short courses, enabling teaching from level one to level five.
However, Gedling Borough Council rejected the proposals last Friday (29 November), citing an “exceptionally large” stable building and plans that were “detrimental to the openness of the Green Belt.”
The council believed the two-storey centre was “at odds” with the area’s rural character and that a large gravel hardstanding area would urbanise the green belt.
Ravenshead Parish Council objected to the proposals, believing the site “has already been overdeveloped.”
Its representation reads: “[The Parish Council] believes that facilities already exist in the locality, including the Papplewick RDA Centre on Nottingham Road, Fairview Farm on Main Road, Blidworth Equestrian Show Centre on Longdale Lane, Little John Paddocks on Main Road, Kirkfields Equestrian Centre, and Cross Lane Stables.”
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has highlighted the benefits of equine therapy and how it can help people with disabilities to access physical exercise, increase their confidence, and strengthen their balance, strength, and coordination.
RDA statistics from people using its services show that:
- 76% experience physical improvement and more enjoyment,
- 77% have increased confidence,
- 82% have better ability to build relationships, and
- 68% experience improved communication.
Rowntree Therapy Limited is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to provide teaching, rehabilitation, and equestrian experiences for people with disabilities.
