STRONGLY opposed plans for a horse riding centre on a site in Chester's Green Belt have had formal approval.
The proposed centre, put forward by Fordent Properties on 18.5 hectares of farmland off the A56 in Mickle Trafford, led to objections at an earlier stage from Mickle Trafford and District Parish Council, Cheshire County Council, the CPRE and local people.
The city's planning board was told in a report at the time that plans for a riding centre had been refused in 1990, 1991 and 1992 although a planning inspector had accepted the principle of development.
An application in 1993 had been approved subject to a legal agreement which had not been completed.
Plans for a holiday touring caravan and camping park were withdrawn in 1999 and refused in November 2001.
Parish councillors argued the centre was contrary to Green Belt policy as car parking for 20-30 cars would be involved.
The plans were opposed by Cheshire County Council on the grounds that no special circumstances had been put forward.
The CPRE backed others who were concerned about a lack of detail in the application and about safety on the A56.
But planning officer Richard Gore told councillors in a report that no new buildings would be erected which could harm the openness of the Green Belt and the car parking and exercise areas would not be prominent features in the countryside.
The parking area, stables and menage would be some distance from the nearest residential properties.
Recommending the application should have permission, Mr Gore argued the riding centre would not conflict with the Green Belt and the use of the site would not lead to any danger to highway safety.
The board agreed on a 12-0 vote that Fordent Properties should have permission for the riding centre subject to a legal agreement and improvements to the access from the A56 in advance of the riding centre being brought into use.
