APPROVAL to extend an existing dwelling has been sought at an equine business.

The application, submitted to Northumberland County Council, proposes to extend a chalet at La Luna Farm, located east of Stamfordham.

Ms D Wilkinson, the applicant and owner of La Luna Farm which consists of 44.59 acres (18.05 hectares) of land, includes an existing residential three-bedroom chalet, two barns and associated equestrian facilities. 

The primary focus of the business is the breeding and training of Hanoverian sports horses.

The application to extend the facilities has so far received more than 10 objections shown on the council's website, which protest there is no need for the current accommodation to be developed and that it is unnecessary construction on the green belt.

However, there were no objections in an ecological report which claimed the development 'will not impact on protected or notable species, designated nature conservation sites or priority habitat'. 

The planning statement, produced by property consultant business George F. White, explained: "Paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework advises that Local Planning Authorities should avoid the development of isolated homes in the open countryside unless such development falls under one of the exceptions listed.

"Part a) of paragraph 80 recognises that where there is an essential need for a rural worker to live permanently at or near their place of work in the countryside, permission should be allowed. In this instance it is considered that there is an essential need for the applicant to reside on site and with no suitable alternatives, development can be considered acceptable."

An objection from Stamfordham Parish Council said: "We don’t perceive a significant requirement to develop the existing accommodation, it is specifically provided for the purpose of a worker on-site to manage the needs of the livestock, the livestock number or purpose is not indicated as being changed (no more workers required, no additional responsibilities implied), therefore the needs of the worker's accommodation are unchanged."

The justification for a rural worker to live at the site was outlined in the documents:

  • Regular feeding
  • Grooming
  • Cleaning out
  • Exercising
  • Undergoing initial training.

One resident's objection to the application said: "All of the reasons above, that are given by the applicant for the functional need, could easily take place during daylight hours therefore, there is no need for a worker to be onsite during the night."

However, a council report said there was a need 'based around security to prevent theft and the need for frequent checks and care, particularly with regards to foals and pregnant mares' for a worker to reside on-site.

For more information, search reference number 23/02839/FUL on the council's planning portal.

La Luna Farm and George F. White were contacted for comment.