A PROPOSAL for equestrian use of a countryside site has been approved even though planners are taking enforcement action at the same place and against the same applicant.

City councillors on the planning committee have backed a new proposal by Tommy Maloney for Lower Paddock, Bent Lane, Hoe Gate, Hambledon.

The scheme is for a change of use from agriculture to equestrian use, with hard standing, a menage and a stable for private use.

Although this was approved, the city council is also taking enforcement action against Mr Maloney over a large expanse of hard standing and the removal of a hedge in early 2020.

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A previous application for permission for caravans for two Gypsy/Traveller families was rejected by an inspector at planning appeal.

Committee members questioned why the latest application couldn't be dealt with once Mr Maloney had obeyed the instruction to remove the hard standing and replace the hedge.

The committee was told that was not possible as it was part of the enforcement action which is a legal issue.

Neither could a condition be imposed preventing caravans from being on the site for longer than a couple of hours, as it would be unreasonable said planning manager Lorna Hutchings.

The latest scheme attracted 23 objections citing the enforcement history of the site and the removal of the hedge.

Mr Maloney was present at the committee but did not address the committee.

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But a planning officers' report to the committee said "equestrian enterprises and horse activities are now an integral part of e rural landscape".

There was no debate, except committee chairman Therese Evans, who said: "It is always difficult to judge something when the applicant is told to do something and hasn't done it, so running alongside is enforcement action.

"What has happened is a valuable ecological hedge has been removed."

Addressing Mr Maloney, Cllr Evans said: "It is a pity, it indicates you don't respect what the appeal inspector said and will go ahead.

"We have been told by officers there is no material planning reason to refuse this."

The equestrian proposal was approved with two abstentions.