A rehabilitation centre for horses has submitted a planning application for a timber lodge to be built on their site to house staff.

NJS Rehabilitation is based in the countryside, close to Cow Ark in the Ribble Valley, and is a specialist equine rehabilitation practice owned and managed by the applicant, Zoe Swingler.

Zoe is a qualified equine osteopath specialising in the treatment of horses with complex injuries and conditions.

She lives in Clitheroe and has to make constant back-and-forth trips to the stables, meaning animals are left unattended during the evening hours and can mean Zoe often works 16-hour days, seven days a week.

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Plans submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council are for an off-grid timber lodge to be built on the site so she can be closer to the animals.

A design and access statement submitted to the council said: “NJS Rehabilitation requires a rural location to operate. The business provides a vital service to horse owners across the North West.

“The welfare of the animals is paramount and it is critical that a person resides at the premises to monitor and respond to any need that may arise.

“The nature of the rehabilitation treatment requires close and constant attention. The animals which are treated at the centre undergo individual and intensive care. Animals have usually suffered a traumatic event or injury.

“In addition to the usual basic husbandry associated with stabled horses, the animals at NJS undergo a range of tailored treatments and rehabilitation treatments.”

The proposed development includes the construction of the lodge, installation of solar panels on the existing stables and agricultural building, the installation of a package treatment unit, and associated landscaping.

The lodge will be two storeys tall and off-grid, powered by solar arrays with a back-up generator to a battery system.

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The statement continued: “The design of the building is appropriate within the rural location. Timber weathers down to a natural muted grey having minimal visual impact. The appearance is congruous with the rural setting. The sedum living roof will ensure the property is inconspicuous from longer high ground.

“The solar panels are designed to eliminate glare.

“The closest neighbouring property is 315 metres to the east. A native species hedgerow will be planted to ensure there is no visual impact from this direction.”

To view the plans in full and to comment on them, visit the council’s planning website.