London horse show is thrown out by planners

Plans for London’s brand new horse show are in disarray after the planning application for this June’s proposed Global Champions Tour showjumping and dressage extravaganza in Kensington Gardens were thrown out.

Organisers are hurriedly seeking a new location for the London launch of Global Champions Tour show jumping after planning permission was refused for Kensington Gardens.

The Royal Borough of Kensington of Chelsea ruled against it last Friday (15 March), citing numerous breaches of statutory planning, the proximity of Listed buildings and loss of access for regular users at the height of summer.

Planners received 300 objections, including one from neighbouring Westminster council and a petition, signed by more than 300 people.

According to the Royal Borough, there were just four letters of support — two of which came from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and Olympic gold medal-winning showjumper, Nick Skelton.

For the full story, see the current issue of Horse & Hound, out today (21 March 2013)

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