A FARMER has got approval for an all-weather paddock for horse riding.

Blackburn with Darwen Planning Committee granted permission for the scheme on Thursday night despite two objections from nearby residents and concern from the Tockholes Parish Council.

The approval came with eight conditions including the submission of a detailed landscaping scheme.

Local residents were concerned about the adverse visual impact of the fenced paddock, drainage, the loss of trees and farmland and potential harm to wildlife.

The objectors also claimed the area did not need any further horse riding areas.

A planning officers report told councillors: “The loss of this relatively small site to equestrian development would not have a profound impact on the availability of agricultural land.”