Council objects to equestrian plans at Caistor’s Waterhills

At their meeting last week, councillors discussed an application before West Lindsey for change of use of land at Waterhills, off Canada Lane, from agricultural use to equine use, which would also see the replacement of stables and creation of a store.

However, a number of councillors feared this could be just the start of future development at the site.

Coun Carol Mackenzie said: “I think this is just a footstep in to doing something further; that is what worries me.

“The chalk streams [which give the area its name] are a big thing against having 
anything up there too.

“Even now the road is often flooded with water coming down off that part of the town.”

Environmental concerns were also raised by Coun 
Jayne Bowman.

She said: “From an environmental point of view, you can’t put manure within 50 metres of running water 
for fear of contamination.

“[The plans] are talking about a stable right by the running water, and there is nothing about how they would prevent contamination by the stock pile of manure they 
refer to going into the stream.”

Coun Bowman also said she felt the scheme was ‘excessive’ for the use described in the planning application.

She continued: “They are doing massive things for just putting some ponies on.

“The big brick pillars and electric gates are totally out of keeping, not only with the picturesque countryside bridleway that Canada Lane is, but with any small field in our beautiful 
Lincolnshire countryside.

“The need for a roadway, and large building for a tractor, inclusion for levelling off the hillside seems to be ridiculous for a couple of children’s ponies – unless of course the applicant has 
other things in mind?”

Canada Lane sits off the Brigg Road and access was of concern for Coun Angela Clark.

She said: “If you are in and out with horse boxes; it is a busy road and the entrance 
is on a bend.”

Councillors formally voted to object on all these grounds, with Coun Steve Critten abstaining from the vote.