A BUSINESSMAN who imports Irish horses to sell on in the UK has been refused planning permission to retain changes he has already made at his premises.

Shane McAteer applied to Teesdale District Council for retrospective permission for a change of use of land at West View Farm, High Lands, near Cockfield. He also applied retrospectively to erect a stable block, create a sand school, and retain a portable cabin and toilet block.

He told the council he ran the successful business with his brother and father and had brought employment to the area, with three full-time and one part-time worker.

"Our buyers stay at local hotels and use local facilities, which all generate income for the economy," he added.

However, neighbour Chris Graham outlined problems regarding land ownership and the dumping of manure.

"Shane now says he will clear up the manure and will respect my boundary," he added. "But if this is granted I would like it written into the conditions that in future any domestic, industrial or agricultural waste is disposed of correctly."

Coun Ken Coates was glad they had made a site visit. "It is very tidy, and not the eyesore I thought it might be," he said. "But my concern is the manure."

However, Coun David Blackie asked them to refuse the application, saying the site was the subject of unauthorised development.

"What is to prevent anybody purchasing a piece of greenfield land and setting up a business?" he asked. "This is not real diversification, it's nothing more than commercial opportunism."

Planning officer Wendy Thompson said while it was not diversification in its truest sense, it could be deemed to be acceptable in the countryside.

Coun John Salter asked what the officers' recommendation would have been, had the application not been retrospective.

Mrs Thompson said it would have been the same, while principal planning officer, Trevor Watson, said unauthorised development was not in itself an offence.

Coun Blackie agreed the site was very tidy, but said: "If I had built four houses on the land and put flowers outside, it would be tidy.

"The principle must apply that nobody can merely buy land and develop it without permission and then expect to be patted on the back for doing it," he added.

While most members agreed the site was well kept, the matter of setting a precedent for unauthorised development in the countryside and the concerns over the disposal of manure persuaded them to refuse consent by nine votes to three.

Members are to receive a report at the next meeting as to what enforcement action should be taken and when. Meanwhile Mr McAteer is understood to be considering an appeal.