A NEW stable block and riding arena in a moorland village has been approved despite the parish council's fears it could become a haven for horse lovers.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee on Thursday night granted planning permission for the addition to Mrs P Smith's property Holly Cottage, 5 Victoria Terrace, Old School Lane Tockholes.

The approval was despite objections by Tockholes Parish Council and a member of the public whose land is adjacent to the applicant site.

The parish council objection said: "There are many similar developments in the parish and the council is concerned that Tockholes does not become a suburban escape for people with equestrian interest. "

The other objection from nearby resident Trevor Kempster says there are 'already adequate number of stables in Tockholes'.

The riding arena, or menage, will be sited in the cottage's garden with a sand or rubber surface and used to exercise Mrs Smith's three horses.

Conservative planning spokesman Cllr Paul Marrow said: "I think it is well-designed."

West Pennine ward's Cllr Neil Slater said: "I have no objection as long as it is only for personal use."