A PARISH council has expressed fears that a moorland village could become a suburban escape for residents with an interest in horses.

The fears for the future of Tockholes above Darwen are revealed in a officers report to councillors.

Mrs P Smith has applied for permission to create a stable block and riding arena at Holly Cottage, 5 Victoria Terrace, Old School Lane.

Her proposal will be debated by Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee on Thursday night.

This follows objections by Tockholes Parish Council a member of the public whose land is adjacent to the applicant site.

The parish council objection says: "There must be a condition of personal use only and no commercial livery activity.

"There are many similar developments in the parish and the council is concerned that Tockholes does not become a suburban escape for people with equestrian interest. "

The other objection from nearby resident Trevor Kempster says there are 'already adequate number of stables in Tockholes'.

An officer's report recommending approval says: "The proposals would deliver a sand and/or rubber surfaced menage area for the private use of the owner's three horses and will not be used on a commercial basis.

"The menage will have a 1.2 metre high fence.

"On balance, the proposals would be satisfactory from a technical point.

"The application site relates to a parcel of land which is located adjacent to numbers one to five Victoria Terrace and within the Green Belt.

"The site covers an area of circa 0.45 acres. The land belonging to the applicant who lives at number five has been used as a garden for over 20 years.

"There are two existing outbuildings on the application site, one of which is to be retained and incorporated within the proposed stable block.

"The application site is accessed via Tockholes Road on to Old School Lane, which is a single track access road. Access to the site is currently gained by a double five bar gate.

"The proposed stable block would have timber clad elevations and shallow pitched roofs.

"The existing gated access off of Old School Lane will be retained and used to access the stable block.

"The development would be used for equestrian purposes, which is a defined outdoor recreational use.

"The site is located outside of a built-up area and has been used as a domestic garden for in excess of 10 years."