PLANNING chiefs have deferred making a decision on plans for an indoor riding arena in Penketh.

The application for Friends Lane Stables came before the development management committee during its virtual meeting on Wednesday.

It had been recommended for refusal on the grounds of the impact on the green belt.

But there were more than 52 letters of support, with five objections.

Applicant Andrew Hales proposed an extension to the existing reception building at the site including the disabled toilet, along with three additional stables, construction of new indoor riding arena with a grass roof and 12 additional parking spaces.

Cllr Bob Barr said there is ‘absolutely no doubt’ that the scheme will reduce the openness of the green belt.

Committee chair Cllr Joan Grime said: “It does seem to be a major issue that, in the notes, that the applicants are replacing an outdoor facility with an indoor one.

“It’s made a point of in the notes that this has made the operation mainly an indoor operation, where the exceptional circumstances would be promoting the recreational and exercise activity in the open air.”

Cllr Judith Wheeler said she felt ‘quite conflicted’.

She added: “I can see the benefits of having an indoor riding school.

“I don’t horse ride, I never have done, but you must be very limited to times of day and seasons of the year.

"On the other hand, we are looking at something which is significant building in the green belt with additional parking."

Cllr Grime proposed deferring the application partly to allow the applicant to demonstrate that the proposals will still promote outdoor activity and to ensure officers can discuss the plans with the applicant.

The applicant had said the scheme would be a great boost for the riding school, along with stating the addition of disabled and welfare facilities would deliver a ‘great benefit to all’.

The development management committee voted to defer making a decision on the application.