Leadenham Polo Club plans come under fire from villagers

James Reeve of Leadenham Polo Club, which is behind the scheme, first submitted plans to North Kesteven District Council for consideration in December.

But after requests for clarification he has now provided additional information regarding the impact on heritage of the old buildings on the proposed site at North Hilltop Farmhouse on Leadenham Heath, opposite the old waste tip.

The project would see the creation of a floodlit, all-weather polo arena, conversion of redundant, derelict farm buildings into stables, new fencing, landscaping, lighting and new car parking area.

Any comments on the plans must be sent to NKDC by May 29. An online meeting of the NKDC Planning Sub Committee will consider the plans at 2pm on Tuesday, June 9.

Leadenham Polo Club was established at Leadenham by Mr Reeve who wanted to introduce the sport to more people and make it less elitist and expensive.

Mr Reeve explains that grassroots polo for schools and universities is played from September to April but they have found it logistically and financially unsustainable to use other arenas for lessons and matches in the winter when they cannot use their grass polo field. He said: “We therefore realised that although there was much demand and enthusiasm for grass-roots polo at this time of year – we needed a purpose-built facility at Leadenham.”

The club says: “The design of the proposal breathes new life into these old buildings, giving them a new purpose and future not wholly removed from their original purpose.”

He says the arena and lighting has been located to minimise its impact on the landscape.

His new heritage impact assessment claims the old farmstead would not be seriously harmed as it had already been affected by modern agricultural buildings around it.

The plans have letters of support from leaders of RAF College Cranwell’s Polo Club, which uses Leadenham’s services.

However, villagers have written objections, including a five page petition have been submitted.

Jackie and Richard Nelstrop of North Hill Top Farm object as neighbours saying it would also disrupt and conflict with their farming operation.

The Nelstrops also argued the buildings, built in 1865, are unsuitable without affecting their historic features as doors are too low for horses and floors uneven.

They also add the new car park would be too small, would affect their privacy and block entry to one of their fields.

The Nelstrops add the arena would be partly built on an old council waste tip.