The Planning Committee has decided to grant permission for the change of use to equestrian facilities despite objections from local stakeholders.

URL: https://democracy.winchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1371

Decision Maker: Planning Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Proposal Description: Item 10: (AMENDED DESCRIPTION and PLANS) Change of use from agricultural to equestrian, proposed barn with stables, tack room, feed and hay store and widening of existing access from Mill. Reduced hard standing.     The application was introduced. During public participation, Toni Phillips-Munday and Richard Ward spoke in objection to the application and answered Members' questions thereon.             Councillor Lee spoke as Ward Member in objection to the application. In summary, Councillor Lee raised the following points:   1.    The site's location within a protected landscape (South Downs National Park) and its sensitive characteristics were highlighted, including its proximity to the Meon Valley Trail, ancient woodlands, and the River Meon. He noted it arguably warranted a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation. 2.    A significant change in planning policy was raised, noting the 2024 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) now imposed a stronger legal obligation to "actively further" the purposes of the National Park, which included conserving and enhancing the landscape, rather than the previous duty to merely "have regard for" them. 3.    He referenced a previous Inspector's decision which had cited harm to the character and appearance of the area, and suggested the revised proposals failed to fully address these environmental, landscape, and resident concerns. 4.    It was stated that Soberton Parish Council maintained its objection, as the proposal would result in permanent equestrian use and buildings in a countryside location outside the settlement policy boundary. The scale, massing, and intensified use would harm the rural character, landscape, and tranquillity, contravening numerous South Downs National Local Plan policies (SD4, 5, 7, 24, and 25). 5.    The proposal was also considered to be contrary to policy SD2, as it did not adequately demonstrate enhancement of ecosystem services such as water quality, soil health, and biodiversity. The submitted ecosystem services statement was described as incomplete. 6.    Specific negative environmental impacts were listed, including the degradation of soil carbon capture from converting pasture to hardstanding, the risk of polluting runoff into the flood plain, and a lack of a clear grazing management plan which would undermine biodiversity restoration. 7.    While the biodiversity net gain calculations were welcomed, it was argued they needed to be more robust and linked to the emerging local nature recovery strategy. A lack of a natural capital assessment was also noted. 8.    In conclusion, Councillor Lee argued that the application had not fully reflected the strong weight that should now be given to nature and landscape under the updated NPPF. He contended that the application did not contribute to conserving and enhancing the landscape and scenic beauty of the National Park, and therefore the objections from the Parish Council, residents, and himself remained extant.   In response to questions, the council’s Senior Planning and Litigation Lawyer clarified the weight that should be given to the comments of the appeal inspector regarding the enhanced duty under the National Parks and Countryside Access Act 1949 and the national guidance of 16 December 2024 in this respect.   The Committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application.               RESOLVED:                           The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and         subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report.  

Date of Decision: June 11, 2025