A plan to build a horse training area and stables in land behind a house in a village near Royal Wotton Bassett has been recommended for approval despite the concerns of neighbours and the local parish council.

The Barnett family, who live in Barnes Green in Brinkworth, want to build the training arena, called a manege, and a stable for up to four horses on a field behind their house.

Their application says the facility will be solely for the family’s own use. It adds: “The proposed stables and arena will be largely hidden from the village by the plantation between Poppy House and the site. The lighting will be carefully designed to minimise light spill and the arena lighting will only be used between dusk and 8pm when the arena is in use.”

The matter has been ‘called in’ for consideration by the Wiltshire Council northern area planning committee meeting on August 3 by county councillor Elizabeth Threlfall.

She has asked the committee to consider: “the scale of development and impact on the character appearance and visual amenity of the locality, including in respect of floodlighting and highways access and ecological impacts.”

Neighbours had expressed concerns about the floodlighting of the training arena, parking and whether the facilities could be used commercially in the future.

Brinkworth Parish Council also objected. It said: “The proposal is unsuited to its location, which would be an intrusion on the immediate neighbours and the enjoyment of their lifestyles.

“The proposed lighting for the menage is considered to be unacceptable in a location which is clearly visible from the main road in a village which does not have street lighting and would have a great intrusion on neighbouring houses

“The site lacks appropriate visibility from the access point and would be a dangerous access for horses and horse boxes.”

Some work on the development has already begun, and the application includes a request for retrospective permission for that work.

Wiltshire Council planners say they have asked for work to stop, and are satisfied “appropriate steps have been taken”. If permission is not given, the work already done may have to be undone.

The recommendation to members of the committee is to approve the proposals with conditions.

The committee meets at 2pm on Wednesday August 3 at the council offices in Chippenham