CONCERNS have been raised over plans to build two stable blocks for 15 horses at a Pendle equestrian centre.

A report to councillors says that residents near Barden Lane Stables, Reedley, have complained of a ‘stench’ coming from the site, which they describe as an ‘eyesore’.

They also claim that noise from the stables was particularly bad during summer, that the centre often remains open for longer than is permitted, and that the site is used for the unauthorised storage of commercial vehicles.

Residents said they feared that the existing problems would only worsen if permission was granted for the extension of the stables.

Their fears have been echoed by Reedley Hallows Parish Council, which said that the work would add to traffic congestion in Barden Lane.

And the plans have been dealt a further blow after Pendle Council’s planning officers in the report to Brierfield and Reedley Co-mmittee, have recommended that councillors reject the plans because the proposed development would be ‘inappropriate’.

In the report planning officer Helen Garnett refused to back the scheme.

She said: “The proposed stable buildings are an inappropriate form of deve-lopment in that their scale and bulk would add subst-antially to the existing development on the site and would adverserly impact on the openness of the Green Belt.”

The site includes a range of equestrian facilities, including stables, a floodlit arena for dressage or jumping, and a cross-country course.

Brierfield and Reedley Committee will discuss the plans at a meeting, at Brierfield Town Hall, at 7pm, on Tuesday. May 11.