Plans to build homes on equestrian centres
Plans to demolish an equestrian centre to make way for houses have been submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council.
South Medburn Equestrian Centre offers riding lessons and livery services at its 105-acre estate near Watford.
“It is business as usual, nothing has changed,” owner Margaret Rose told H&H.
She declined to comment further.
The equestrian centre has been running since 1984 and is also a British Horse Society (BHS) approved training venue.
The site has 68 livery stables as well as two indoor and two outdoor arenas.
In the design and access statement submitted with the plans, the applicant – Relic Homes – states that the council has raised the issue of the loss of equestrian facilities.
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“The applicant has already responded on behalf of the current owners to confirm that the existing equestrian business is not financially viable and cannot continue with the owners pouring in more of their own personal capital to keep it afloat and subsidise it,” it reads.
The plans for 15 homes on the site were received by the council on 21 July. Public consultation on the application runs until 8 September and a decision is due by 3 November.
Meanwhile, proposals for a major development at Patchetts Equestrian Centre (pictured, top) were also submitted to the same council this month by developers Heronslea.
The popular Hertforshire venue revealed in July that it would be closing and shut on 2 August.
The plans involve keeping the listed buildings – Coach House, Farm House, Lims Barn and Little Patchetts – but demolishing the other buildings to make way for a total of 46 houses.
In the north of England, plans are also afoot to reduce the size of another livery yard to make way for 15 houses.
Consultation runs until 9 September and a decision is due from the council by 18 November.
An application to demolish the indoor arena and outbuildings at Swarland Park Equestrian Centre was put to Northumberland County Council on 10 August.
The centre has 12 horses on livery, plus five others owned and used by the owners and their family.
The plans state that the owners wish to reduce the number of horses at the property and to relocate the indoor arena.
A decision is due by 7 September.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.