Plans for a staff lodge at a remote horse rehabilitation centre have been refused as the council feel it does not justify development in a rural area.

NJS Rehabilitation is based in the countryside, close to Cow Ark in the Ribble Valley, and is a specialist equine rehabilitation practice owned and managed by the applicant, Zoe Swingler.

Ms Swingler is a qualified equine osteopath specialising in the treatment of horses with complex injuries and conditions.

She lives seven miles away in Clitheroe and has to make constant back-and-forth trips to the stables, meaning animals are left unattended during the evening hours and can mean Zoe often works 16-hour days, seven days a week.

READ MORE: Plans re-submitted for eco home at rear of Read Hall

Plans were submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council for an off-grid timber lodge to be constructed on the site so she can be closer to the animals, but this has been refused.

A decision notice from the council said: “The proposed development would result in the introduction of a new dwelling outside of a defined settlement and would fail to meet any of the exception criteria for justifying new development within this rural location.

"This includes a failure to demonstrate that it is essential for a rural worker to reside at the site.

“The proposed development, by virtue of the introduction of a sizeable dwelling, hardstanding areas, boundary fencing, garden area, associated domestic paraphernalia, landscaping works and installation of microgeneration equipment, would compromise the openness and unspoilt character of the application site which in turn would be harmful to the visual amenities of the area and character of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.”

The nearest residential properties to the site are around 340 metres away, and there are almost a dozen houses and several more agricultural structures within a mile of the site.

In the original design and access statement, Ms Swingler said her business provides a vital service to horse owners across the North West, and it is critical for a person to reside at the centre to monitor and respond to any needs that arise.

“The nature of the rehabilitation treatment requires close and constant attention,” the statement said.

“The animals which are treated at the centre undergo individual and intensive care.

"Animals have usually suffered a traumatic event or injury.”

READ MORE: Plans submitted for six holiday cottages in Clayton-le-Dale

The proposed development included the construction of the lodge, installation of solar panels on the existing stables and agricultural building, the installation of a package treatment unit, and associated landscaping.

The statement continued: “The design of the building is appropriate within the rural location.

"Timber weathers down to a natural muted grey having minimal visual impact. The appearance is congruous with the rural setting.

"The closest neighbouring property is 315 metres to the east.”

The applicant now has six months to appeal the council’s decision if they wish.