A FARMER wants to build a stable block in a field on the outskirts of a township after being told he cannot use his existing sheep shed to house them.

It would accommodate his three horses which need new premises following a complaint from the public over their housing in the existing agricultural building.

Mr J Varey of Pendle View Farm, Altham, has applied for planning permission from Hyndburn Council for the development in a 2.5-acre field he owns off Burnley Road.

It will be near an existing building housing sheep.

The proposal is for a timber stable block comprising three stables and a tack storage area.

A design and access statement by P Wilson and Company chartered surveyors says: “Mr Varey is the freehold owner and occupier of a block of grassland.

“He successfully applied for planning permission for an agricultural building to house sheep. He has erected his agricultural building and it is in use.

“He owns three horses which graze the land off Burnley Road. The approved building is for agricultural purposes only and cannot be used for stabling his horses.

“The applicant had temporarily stabled his horses in the agricultural building however a complaint to Hyndburn Council was made and the council asked him to remove his horses from his agricultural building.

“Mr Varey needs to provide shelter for his horses against adverse weather and predators.

“A small private stable block is now required to stable his horses. We have spoken to the council about the possibility of partly changing the use of the agricultural building to accommodate three internal stables but the preference is to have a separate purpose-built stable block

“The proposal is to erect a small timber built stable block 14.60 metres by 3.65 metres.

“The proposed building is modest in its size and uses simple building materials in its construction (timber cladding and a tin roof).

“The stable block will be entirely a private use by the applicant. No livery or third-party use is intended.

“The applicant has no facilities to stable the three horses he owns. The stable block will provide shelter and an area to store horse tack in line with the exception to inappropriate development within the green belt.”

Altham ward’s Cllr Miles Parkinson, also leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “If the stable block is solely for the use of his own horses it seems a reasonable application but planning officers will take into account the views of nearby residents when they make a recommendation.”