Plans for horse jumps in Kintbury field told to prove how it improves nature

Plans to put up 10 cross country jumps in a horse field have been given the Beechers Brook equivalent of a planning condition.

The applicant at Kintbury Park Farm in Kintbury has been told to submit a bio diversity report by the council, pointing out how the ‘development’ will impact and enhance nature.

West Berkshire Council says the development shall not commence ‘until a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (the HMMP), prepared in accordance with the approved Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority’.

The plans were submitted by Barratt Equestrian, which has now submitted a 20-page report back to the council explaing about tree planting plans – including a 30-year plan for habitat enhancement.

It has also included the appointment of a ‘development biodiversity champion’ who will be responsible for understanding when an ecological clerk of works is required on site to supervise works, requirements of which are detailed within each mitigation section where necessary.

It suggests that once the development is complete, a post-development biodiversity champion will be allocated.

The post-development biodiversity champion will be responsible for ensuring all recommended management is undertaken and any associated remedial measures are completed where necessary.

The site in question currently consists of modified grassland, tree lined boundaries, hedgerow, buildings, hard standing and shrubs.

It is surrounded by the village of Kintbury to the south, the River Kennet to the north and arable fields to the east and west.

The matter is now once again before planners at West Berkshire Council.