By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter
Plans for an equestrian centre catering for people with disabilities have been rejected by a council over concerns it would be too big for the area and impact on 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.
The plans were to develop an equestrian centre to extend equestrian experiences and support to people with physical, mental, sensory and multiple disabilities.
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, allowing levels one to level five to be taught.
However, Gedling Borough Council rejected the proposals last Friday (November 29), citing an “exceptionally large” stable building and plans being “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 over developed”.
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 noted the benefits of equine therapy and how it can assist people with disabilities to access physical exercise, increase their confidence and strengthen their balance, strength and coordination.
RDA statistics from people using its service say that 76 per cent experience physical improvement and more enjoyment, 77 per cent have increased confidence and 82 per cent have better ability to build relationships and 68 per cent had improved communication.
Rowntree Therapy Limited is a non-for-profit organisation who aims to provide teaching, rehabilitation along with an equestrian experience for people with disabilities.
Portland College, a specialist college, residential care provider and Centre of Excellence for Autism in Mansfield, was planned to be the main user of the centre’s services if approved.
