Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have submitted a planning application to Westmorland and Furness Council to convert a modest 40m by 20m area of farmland at North View, Burrells, near Appleby-in-Westmorland, into a private horse-riding arena. The arena would be used exclusively by the applicants, who keep three horses on the property, and no commercial activity or external lighting is planned. The proposal includes necessary engineering work to prepare the land, such as cutting, filling, and laying new materials.

The primary benefit cited is providing a safe, year-round exercise space for the horses, especially during winter and wet conditions when the ground becomes unsafe and riding on roads increases risks. The application argues that the change of use is minor and non-commercial, with no additional traffic or parking impacts, as the horses and users are already based on the landholding. The council’s consultation period for the application is open until December 28.