Kent man shouldn't create Sidbury horse carraige business say town planners

A MAN from Kent should not be allowed to create a horse carriage driving business in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Sidbury, because of highway concerns, say Sidmouth town planners.

A MAN from Kent should not be allowed to create a horse carriage driving business in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Sidbury, because of highway concerns, say Sidmouth town planners.

Meeting on Wednesday, the town council's planning committee voted not to support an application by Michael Grover from Sevenoaks to use land on the south side of Seaton Road, Putts Corner, Sidbury, for equestrian purposes.

Acting chairman, Councillor John Hollick, said: "What we have here is simply the creation of a new business in the countryside. This road is a busy road and traffic moves quite fast.

"Carriage riding could create highways problems. I am not happy with this, or talk of foals. If they are having youngsters there, there needs to be someone on site."

Councillors were concerned at the lack of evidence to back Mr Grover's plans to establish a training and teaching unit in the art of driving horses, either singly or in pairs.

Councillor Peter Sullivan was also worried about the intention to build a foaling box on the site, access to which is used by a large nursery.

He said: "I have no objection to a business in the AONB or even having a new business if it fits in, but I am concerned about this because if it is a driving school for horses and carriages why are we talking on this application about foaling, that is a separate business.

"Until we have more information on what the person fully intends, I don't see how we can support it.