Scottish riding club given the go ahead to build new base
Approval has been given for a new riding school to be built in Scotland.
The proposals were agreed at an Aberdeen City Council meeting on 16 July, despite officers’ recommendations to refuse them.
The plans for the new development at Nether Anguston were submitted by Aberdeen Riding Club in January.
They include an indoor arena as well as 26 stables, a viewing gallery, office and welfare facilities.
The proposals also include further stabling for 63 horses together with toilets, tack rooms, an outdoor arena, wash down area and feed store.
Sally McCarthy, club manager, said she is “absolutely delighted” with the result.
“Aberdeen Riding Club aims to make riding accessible to all and it was brilliant to see that our city Councillors who sit on the planning committee realise the importance of this,” she told H&H.
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“They clearly understood the concept of Aberdeen Riding Club and realised the benefits of it remaining within Aberdeen City and continuing to provide for the local community.”
The riding club is a non-profit making organisation and has more than 400 members.
It has been running for more than 20 years and needs to move from its current site in Milltimber, Aberdeen, to make way for 550 new houses.
The British Horse Society (BHS) approved training centre is home to 90 horses and also provides horses, equipment and facilities for Aberdeen’s branch of Riding for the Disabled Association.
“This planning permission, along with the 25-year lease which we have signed on the new farm, ensures that our riders will be able to continue to access their sport for the foreseeable future,” Ms McCarthy added.
“I think it is a great thing for the equestrian community in the north east of Scotland and for the equestrian industry in the UK. I’m delighted for all our staff and riding members.”
She also said it may show that while riding schools and livery yards are struggling in city locations due to lack of space, there is hope for the future of vital grassroots coaching facilities in the sport.
The riding club is now focusing on fundraising and working on the relocation project.
Aberdeen City Council planning development management committee agreed to approve the application, subject to conditions.
These were the completion of a road safety agreement, a travel plan and a legal agreement with the council over developer contributions.
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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.