High Kay Lees Farm, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland, DL13 3QW

the change of use from grazing paddock to all weather horse arena

Authority: Durham County Council
Appeal type: Planning
Procedure: Written
Development: leisure-sport
Postcode: DL13 3QW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, with particular regard to the rural landscape

What decided it

The siting of the arena adjacent to established field boundaries and its lower-lying position, combined with the modest scale and proposed landscaping, would ensure that the development would not cause harm to the character and appearance of the area or the Area of Higher Landscape Value.

Plan policies cited: Policy 10 of the County Durham Plan, Policy 13 of the County Durham Plan

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- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
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- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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