AGRICULTURAL land in Cheshire could be converted for equestrian use, despite concerns over flood risk and impact on the green belt.

Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee is expected to back plans for a parcel of land to the north of Delamere Road in Ashton Hayes when it meets next week.

The planning application proposes to change the use of the land from agricultural to private equestrian use, the erection of a stable building and the creation of an associated access onto Delamere Lane.

The three acre site is a rectangular piece of overgrown agricultural land adjacent to Ashton Brook and Delamere Lane to the east of Mouldsworth. It is located within the green belt – a legal boundary designed to protect against over-development in the countryside.

Ashton Hayes Parish Council has raised an objection, claiming the the development will #change the character of the Mouldsworth Parish area# by visually extending the village boundary. It said this would ‘reduce the visual openness’ of the green belt and will reduce the green space and character of the area between Mouldsworth and Timadon Farm.

The application by Eldnar Consultancy Ltd has also been called in for further discussion by ward councillor Cllr Hugo Deynem, who also said he considers that the proposed construction will reduce the visual openness of the green belt, extending the perceived size of Mouldsworth village beyond its current aesthetic boundaries. He said this will reduce the openness of the green space by ‘detracting from the character of the green area’ between Mouldsworth and Timadon Farm and will be ‘detrimental to the distinctive character’ of the environment in which it is proposed.

He also said he considers that any change of use of the land from its existing format, which has a high-water table, is very wet and acts as a flood plain which holds water back during regular periods of flooding, will increase the risk of flooding downstream.

A total of eight objections have also been received from the public.

Recommending approval, the report to the committee, said: “The starting point is that the construction of new buildings are regarded as inappropriate in the green belt, however, the proposed development falls within the exception which provides that the provision of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation and the material change of use of the land.”