Leading north Lakes racehorse trainer Nicky Richards has failed to secure planning permission for a luxury self-build home.
Eden Council’s planning committee today visited the site on land north of the Rectory, Greystoke, where Mr Richards was seeking to build a detached home, with a detached double garage, and three first-floor en-suite bedrooms all with walk-in wardrobes.
At a meeting at Penrith Town Hall following the site visit, Mike Eyles (Lib Dem, Penrith) said he agreed with the assessment of the district council’s planning officers who had recommended that the plan be refused on grounds that it would adversely impact the heritage environment.
“Of all the surrounding fields, that is the most beautiful in the area – it is a haven for wildlife. If we destroy this I think the people of Greystoke are not going to be very forgiving and rightly so,” said Mr Eyles. All six nearby neighbours who had been consulted objected to proposal, however there had been no response from the parish council.
At the previous meeting, Mr Richards had said he was not getting any younger and he hoped his daughter, who has a larger family, would move to start to take more responsibility for the business which now employs 30 members of staff.
Ian Chambers (Con, Eamont), who said he was all in favour of supporting local businesses, tabled a proposal for the application to be approved. However, the committee voted against that and instead agreed to accept a motion put forward by Mr Eyles to refuse approval.
