PLANS to convert a former menage that had been used for an equine business into a two-bedroom home in Whitchurch, have been submitted to Herefordshire planners.

The Losito Stud at Whitchurch was run for over 15 years as a commercial equine business by former Italy national show-jumping team manager Giovanni Losito, who trained both horses and riders from the property.

Herefordshire Council planners have now been told that the owner has retired, and the brownfield site is underutilised.

This proposed two-bedroomed dwelling which qualifies as a self-build project will be built to the “highest standard” by removing the menage and replacing it will a “well-designed” agricultural house with permaculture landscaping.

The applicant’s agent Kathy Bird said that given its location and context, the site is considered to represent an appropriate and sustainable location for residential development.

“The proposal would contribute to local housing supply, help address the current shortfall in deliverable sites, and would integrate with the existing settlement pattern without causing undue harm to the character of the area.”

The site is currently subject to a commercial use, comprising of several large barns and one dwelling with no conditions tied to the commercial business.

“Landscaping would ensure the proposal can assimilate into the locality by softening and obscuring buildings to preserve its boarder verdant feel,” added the agent.

“Consequently, the proposal would not present as a persistent and dominant feature out of keeping with the landscape...

“Replacing the commercial menage with an agricultural style dwelling and landscaping would have a neutral effect, preserving the natural beauty of the area.

“Moreover, the form and arrangement of the building would be analogous of barn style building reflective of the site’s rural location, and consistent with other examples of rural buildings in the area.”

Comments on the application, number P261249/F can be made via Herefordshire Council’s planning portal until Thursday, June 25.

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