Planning permission was granted for an equine therapy centre for children with complex needs at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Monday evening.
A change of use application for a portion of existing equestrian facilities at Eskylane Road, outside Antrim, for therapeutic horse-riding was approved unanimously.
Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told the committee access to the site would be from a shared lane. She went on to say access and parking provision is considered “acceptable”.
A report to the committee said the application site “comprises an existing commercial storage and equestrian facility with sand area”.
It noted the business had previously been operating from a commercial equestrian site but this location proved to be “unsuitable for the applicant's business model”.
“As this application seeks permission for an outdoor recreation use in the countryside for one-at-a time, one-to-one riding and the use of a small part of an existing building for equine therapy, it is considered acceptable in principle,” it was stated.
“The facility provides one-to-one therapeutic riding sessions for children with additional and complex needs, these sessions are pre-booked in advance with no ‘walk in’s’ permitted due to the nature of the service provided,” it continued.
The officer reported there have been 10 letters of objection and 65 letters of support. She said objections include potential increase in traffic and noise and lack of need for the facility.
However, supporters stated it would be a “valuable asset to the borough” with “a need for this service in Antrim and in Northern Ireland”.
The officer noted it would “not have a detrimental impact” on the character and appearance of the area.
One objector read a statement from a neighbour who explained that vehicles pass her property on entering the lane way and that traffic generated by the business would be “unbearable at times”.
She pointed out the proposal would be a “change of business use in a rural environment”. She suggested the number of letters of support “demonstrate the volume of lessons which are ongoing”.
The objector, who is also a resident, went on to say her children can “no longer safely cycle or enjoy their ponies”. She noted there are eight residential properties on the lane way.
Planning consultant Azman Khairuddin told the committee the applicant instructed him to submit a planning application.
He said officers have found it to be an “appropriate use” of premises in the countryside with “no detrimental impact” on character, adding that there is a separate entrance from the lane way.
He went on to say there is “negligible increase” in traffic but no increase in noise. He explained the facility provides a “private, quiet environment” for children with increased needs.
“The facility is not considered to give rise to any amenity concerns, The recommendation for approval will come with conditions to restrict hours of operation.”
Macedon Alliance Councillor Billy Webb MBE asked about the potential difficulty for emergency vehicles if they need to access other properties served by the lane way. He asked if it would be capable of taking two-way traffic.
Mr Khairuddin said the lane way is “wide at the entrance” and the facility is at the first section with “no physical possibility of blocking any emergency vehicles or other users”.
Applicant Karen Murdock noted there are referrals for therapy and no “open access” to sessions.
Macedon Ulster Unionist Cllr Robert Foster asked how long sessions last and if therapy sessions are on a one-to-one basis. He was told that a second vehicle may accompany a child, some of whom, she explained have “very complex and extreme needs”.
“They use the therapy to regulate emotions. It improves the welfare of the child and family. There is no overlap. The parents have a fixed time to arrive.”
She noted the duration of sessions ranges from 30 minutes to an hour.
Dr Gillian Wilson, a supporter, said:
“What the team offers is riding lessons. It is equine therapy, a therapy which uses horses to deliver therapeutic treatment. These are often children unable to engage with conventional therapy. It is provided in a quiet and calm environment. It is safe and effective.”
Antrim SDLP Cllr Roisin Lynch asked about traffic coming to the property and about the number of sessions each day. She was told sessions normally happen after school hours from 2pm and concluding before 7pm, four days a week, for eight or nine children per day.
Threemilewater Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell proposed accepting the officer’s recommendation to approve.
He said: “I can understand objections to some extent but this is an existing equestrian business carrying out a very worthwhile service to the public. I would whole-heartedly endorse the recommendation.”
Ald Campbell’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Webb and approved unanimously following a vote.
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