A MAN who is transforming his hobby into a business received long-sought permission this week.

Alan Moore's earlier application to build extra stables and toilets at South View Farm, Bolam, and create an all-weather practice gallop for racehorse training was rejected.

But on Wednesday, Teesdale planning committee backed amended plans from Mr Moore in which he proposed to erect a building containing 20 stables on the south side of his existing complex. These show the existing tackle room and proposed tea room and toilets moved away from the boundary with the neighbouring residential property. The rooms originally intended for lavatories and a tea room will remain as stables.

In recommending approval, planning officer Andrew Bishop said the proposed stables would be significantly screened from other residential properties. The district plan identified Bolam as a future possible conservation area, but that was likely to be defined as the village and its immediate setting.

"The boundaries have not yet been considered," he added. "But it is unlikely to include such a wide area of surrounding fields as to include the all-weather gallop."

Coun John Salter, who opposed the previous application, said the benefits and disadvantages were finely balanced. However, the applicant had made efforts to improve the design and layout. He was still not happy about the full scale of the plan and its effect on the village, but if there were no legitimate planning reasons for refusing then he would go along with it.

Coun George Richardson was worried about access.

Coun John Armstrong said the six conditions - which include no burning of manure on site; the practice gallop, horse walker and exercise ring to be used only by horses stabled at South View; and no vehicles over 7.5m in length taken on to the land for equestrian purposes - were very relevant and it was up to the planning and enforcement officers to make sure they were kept to. He was pleased to move the recommendations.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Moore said he had held a racing permit for about eight years, enabling him to train the family's horses, but had only started the business on June 6 with son-in-law David Thompson.

Eight horses are in training at present, four of which have run a total of 14 times over the last three months. "From those we have had three winners and six places, the latest one being Sovereign State last Sunday," said a delighted Mr Moore.

He hopes to have the all-weather gallop in place as soon as possible, with the rest of the work completed within 12 months