COUNCILLORS overturned the advice of their officials and refused permission for a state of the art equine rehabilitation and thoroughbred breeding centre at an unused Green Belt farm.
Liberty Equine Ltd told planning officers at Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council it was seeking approval for the centre, including three caravans to provide facilities and administration space and residential accommodation at Jackswood Farm on New Hey Lane in Willaston.
It would specialise in the complete rehabilitation and fitness for all types of horses from race horses and competition horses to family ponies.
The breeding of thoroughbred racehorses would be a key part of the business which would focus on the thoroughbred and horse racing industry.
The company argued there was a need for a dwelling on the site to allow for a manager to provide round the clock attention and security.
It would not go ahead without this.
Objections came from Wirral Wildlife, Wirral Green Belt Council and Willaston Residents and Countryside Society on Green Belt grounds.
The society argued there was sufficient accommodation in the nearby village to meet the requirements to have staff on site 24 hours a day.
Planning officers felt the three caravans, together with the horse walker and menage, would not be particularly prominent.
They recommended approval.
Cllr Gareth Anderson (Con, Ledsham) pointed to “contrary views” as to whether or not round the clock on site supervision was needed.
Cllr Graham Smith (Con, Willaston & Thornton) commented: “I set great store by the objectors who are more aware than most of the environment in which this development is proposed.”
Cllr Smith suggested the large caravans would be “totally unacceptable”.
Planning permission was rejected on a 6-3 vote due to the effect on the green belt.
