A retrospective application to use a sloping field at Whitchurch for an equine business relating to training and breeding for show jumping purposes, could not be determined by members of the Herefordshire Planning Committee on Wednesday, November 23rd, as an appeal decision is pending.

The application for the Losito Stud also included a change of use of the agricultural building to stables containing ten loose boxes.

The building being used as stabling was originally submitted to the Council as an agricultural notification application for an agricultural store. The decision was that Prior Approval was required and concurrently refused. It was considered that the siting of the building in isolation was unacceptable. However the decision notice was received one day after the 28 day deadline.

The committee debated the application and would have been minded not to support the case officer's recommendation

An appeal hearing was due to be held on November 22nd, against the refusal to permit the temporary accommodation, ref DMS/102895/F. A council spokesman said that the decision will not be known for at least two weeks.

Officers considered that the safety limitations placed upon exercising horses off the site meant it was far from ideal. If the premises were to be used purely as a stud and for breeding purposes only, then it would still be classed as agricultural.

Whitchurch and Ganarew Group Parish Council strongly objected to the retrospective application and requested that the land and buildings concerned are reverted back to their original situation.

A letter from Goodrich and Welsh Bicknor Group Parish Council said: "The Parish Council unanimously recommends refusal of the above application."