Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have submitted a planning application to Westmorland and Furness Council to convert a 40m by 20m area of farmland at North View, Burrells, near Appleby-in-Westmorland, into a private horse-riding arena. The proposed arena would be used solely by the applicants, who keep three horses on the property, and no external lighting or commercial activities are planned. The application emphasizes that the horses are already kept and ridden on the land, and the arena would provide a safer, all-year-round exercise space, especially during winter and wet conditions when the ground becomes unsafe.

The application argues that the change of use may not require permission as it is a small-scale, non-commercial use with no additional traffic or parking impact. The arena would reduce the need for the applicants to ride on nearby roads during adverse weather, enhancing safety for both horse and rider. The council’s consultation period for the application is open until December 28.