Retain Policy A - to ensure the council continues to encourage horse-related career options in the area. Mitigation of unsuitable elements of development is fair.
Proposed changes to consultation paragraphs:
7.1 - while there is a good network of bridle paths most are impassible in winter (due to waterlogging on clay soils) and some are impassible through much of summer for this reason.
7.15 - the keeping of horses is not best described as a country pursuit. It is a recreation and/or sport in town or country. As such it is an important contributor to the rural economy in terms of employing grooms, farriers, veterinarians, saddlers, trainers, and therapists. Plus there is purchasing clothing, stables, transport, forage and feed. In 2015 the British Equestrian Trade Association Survey showed and average of £3600 spent on a horse. This is considerably more for those engaged in competitions.
7.16 - commercial enterprises spend considerably more than the average £3600 spend per horse. At the top end the cost of keeping a racehorse is around £20,000 a year. Those competing in dressage, showjumping or eventing would spend around £10,000 a year per horse. As agriculture is under pressure equestrianism needs to be considered as an important revenue stream and employment opportunity for this area. Rother is looking to increase business space in the area. Commercial equestrian enterprises need to be considered as suitable alternatives to provide employment space.
7.17 - stables can be built on porous hard surfaces. This is better for the ground than opting for mobile field shelters where the ground can become poached. Bridleway systems are not essential for competition horses who will be trained in arenas, gallops, and transported to other training facilities. Floodlights are important to keep commercial enterprises viable in winter. They are unlikely to be wanted beyond 9pm so it is unnecessary to prescribe against them across the board. Plus modern floodlights can be directed down so the general light intrusion is not like old-fashioned systems.
7.18 - horses can be kept in a variety of systems. Many owners do not turn out in wet conditions because they do not want to damage their paddocks. Again this emphasises the importance of having good stabling, not field shelters - so horses can be kept in dry conditions when the ground is rain-soaked or frozen. The vast majority of horse owners will want what is best for their animals and will not want to keep their horses in an inappropriate area. The council should absolutely not put a random figure, plucked out of the air, of how much land is appropriate for keeping a horse.