RETROSPECTIVE planning permission to create an area to keep and exercise horses has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

The plans include the permanent siting of mobile field shelters and sheds to be used for feed, storage and equestrian equipment, as well as a lunge pen and access tracks to the field, off Yarm Lane, Great Ayton.

Applicant Claire Copeland said: "I have four horses in total, and I am in the process of rehabilitating three ex-racehorses. I find working with these horses a pleasure and this has a huge impact on my own wellbeing.

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"I feel very proud of being able to retrain these horses though a long programme of natural horsemanship techniques resulting in happy and relaxed horses who can enjoy our fantastic local bridleways.

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"I now use a local farrier, farmer, feed supplier, Hambleton Equine Clinic and other local horse care providers having a positive effect on the local economy.

"It is our intention to enhance biodiversity through improving hedgerows, and creating wildflower meadow grassland to support foraging and sheltering amphibians and reptiles, as well as food source for invertebrates and subsequently birds and bats."