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the area of parked vehicles. A request was made of the agent to considerrelocating the parking area to the west of the buildings in order to limit the visualimpact of parked vehicles but this would have resulted in a further area of hardstanding, taking away some of the surrounding fields.The existing area of hard standing between the existing farm buildings is to bereplaced with a paved area, in keeping with the equestrian use which is proposed.However concerns have been raised with regard to its potential to have an urbanappearance. This has been acknowledged by the agent and it is agreed that thedetails of this surfacing will be agreed by condition.Given the above assessment it is considered that the proposal will have someimpact on the appearance of the area. However with the requirement to provideadditional screening and the proposed positioning of the new building, as anextension to the existing group of buildings, it is considered that the proposal willhave a limited adverse impact on the character and appearance of the site andsurrounding area.5.4 Neighbour ImpactIn terms of neighbouring amenity there are very few residential properties in thelocality. The closest residential property is Wychford Lodge Farm which is locatedclose to the access. However the access is being relocated to limit any adverseimpact from an increase in traffic movements. The property is locatedapproximately 0.5 miles away from the buildings.Other residential properties are 0.6km away from the buildings and views to andfrom these properties will be limited due to existing screening.Noise and disturbance from the schooling activities has been considered but theapplication states that the centre will only be open until 6pm Monday to Friday, 7pmon Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays and bank holidays. It has also been stated thatthe applicant does not intend to carry out outside schooling in the dark. Thereforethere is no present requirement for floodlighting. It has however been proposed thatthat will also be restricted by condition.5.5 Highway ImpactThe traffic assessment submitted as part of the application estimates that there maybe up to 124 traffic movements per day on week days with this increasing atweekends. With the facility providing a full livery service traffic movements resultingfrom horse owners is likely to be limited to when they intend to ride. However trafficmovements from staff are likely to be higher given the level of care the horses willneed.The local Highway Authority recognises that this is not a sustainable location interms of accessibility to the site by public transport. However PPG13 allows forsome leeway in relation to schemes that involve farm diversification. The LocalHighway Authority has considered the proposal based on the details submitted inthe transport assessment and are of the view that the traffic generated as a result ofthis proposal can be safely accommodate don the local road network. Given theassessment is based on a full livery land use it is considered appropriate to restrictthe development to this form as any variation, for example DIY livery may result inan increase in traffic movements which would need further assessment.Page 18