A FARMER wanting to diversify has been refused permission to develop an equestrian-related holiday business in West Devon.

Roger Kneebone told planners his proposal for four holiday units and a stable block at Inwardleigh near Okehampton would be low impact and good for the economy.

But the application, which was opposed by Inwardleigh Parish Council, was thrown out because it goes against the aims of the council’s low carbon future, because cars would have to access the rural location; there wasn’t a proven need for the business and it would have a detrimental impact on the landscape’s character and tranquillity.

Mr Kneebone said as farming subsidies dwindled so was his livelihood and he had been approached by St Leonard’s Equestrian Centre in Launceston about a business proposition to provide more holiday accommodation for horse riders, as they were over capacity.

He told councillors he had experience of running a tourism business with a holiday lodge and campsite and he considered his all-year-round holiday units would have less impact than 28 motorhomes in the summer.

Recent legislation allows landowners to use their land for up to 60 days a year as a campsite for motorhomes, tents and campervans without planning permission.

Mr Kneebone said: “Four units of high quality are better and nicer for the local economy than 28 motorhomes, which probably means 28 barbecues. 

“The people staying in the units are likely to spend money in the local pubs and shops.”

Cllr Kevin Ball (Con, Okehampton North) said the application was an example of diversification that would fit in with a rural community more than it would in the centre of Tavistock or Okehampton.

Cllr Neil Jory (Con, Milton Ford) said that whilst he supported the aims of the low carbon policy, people still rely on cars and tractors in the countryside and as an authority they were very grateful for tourism in which people use their cars.

But Cllr Tony Leech (Ind, Okehampton North) said the application went against the local plan’s policies of development in the countryside, and that the parish council is concerned about the narrow approach road that doesn’t have passing places.

“There could be lots of cars and horseboxes and they won’t be able to reverse or pass each other,” he said.

He said horse riders might favour Dartmoor as a place to stay and ride, which was on the doorstep.

Although they were told there was no objection from the county’s highways’ department, councillors voted to support the planning officer’s recommendation for refusal.