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We are delighted that Wycombe District Council has refused an application for a private equestrian-development in the lovely Skirmett valley, in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Buckinghamshire.
The plan was to demolish the buildings at Stud Farm (now pointlessly renamed Valentine Farm) and replace them with an equestrian complex consisting of a riding area, stables, tack room, wash rooms, office, store rooms, feed and rug room and horse walker.
Wycombe planners have refused the application because ‘the scale and mass of the riding arena/stable building would be harmful to the scenic beauty of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It would damage its special character, appearance and natural beauty and due to its location in public viewpoints and adjacent to the public rights of way network, would damage the future public enjoyment of the area.’
The Open Spaces Society, Ramblers, Chiltern Society, Chilterns Conservation Board, Natural England and more than 120 individuals had objected to the application.
This is wonderful news. The proposed development would have been a huge eyesore in this outstanding, unspoilt landscape. It is a peaceful area of immense beauty. The site is highly visible from the many public paths which criss-cross the area. We are relieved that the planners have refused the application in such clear terms, and we hope this will be the end of the matter.
The lovely Skirmett valley.