A PROPOSAL seeking permission for the extension of a barn near Basingstoke and use of the site for equestrian purposes has been approved despite objections.

The full planning application for the land to the east of Dummer Down Lane was approved by a development control committee of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, despite objections from some of the neighbours.

The application site, which includes woodland and paddocks and measures over five acres, lies adjacent to the settlement boundary of Dummer and Dummer’s Conservation Area.

READ MORE: Plans for four houses get green light despite objections from neighbours

The site has been used for a mixture of agricultural and equestrian purposes for more than a decade.

Since the applicants started using the site, the paddock land has been used for the grazing of horses and sheep and equestrian activities for many years, including cutting of hay for the applicants’ ponies.

The applicants initially part owned the site and leased the remaining area, and recently acquired the entirety of the site.

The proposed extension to the existing building would allow for the creation of three stables, a tack room and additional store areas, according to plans.

The applicant said the development would enable them to keep three ponies on the site, all year round.

The application promised that the stables, premises and pasture land would be used only for personal and private equestrian uses and will not be used for any equestrian commercial or profit gain activities.

The plan also proposed replacement of a field gate onto Dummer Down Lane.

However, it was taken to a development control committee meeting since 13 neighbours objected to the plans.

SEE ALSO: Shopkeepers open Sri Lankan kitchen in Charter Alley

The neighbours were concerned about removal of woodland affecting the views from the conservation area and detracting from the view identified as a View of Village Significance in the Dummer Conservation Area Appraisal.

However, none of the objecting neighbours attended the committee meeting to present their arguments.

The committee subsequently decided to vote in favour of approving the plans subject to conditions.