Major plans to transform agricultural buildings into an equestrian centre in the Oxfordshire countryside have been approved. 

Applicant Zagor FIC can convert the buildings at Lys Mill Farm in Howe Road near Watlington.

The scheme includes changes to four existing barns, new parking, six shepherd’s huts to provide overnight visitor accommodation as well as the creation of four horse paddocks.

A total of 69 people objected, with 20 supporting comments. Watlington Parish Council also submitted its opposition. 

The objectors' main concerns were about the impact on the landscape. Despite this, the scheme was approved by South Oxfordshire District Council's planning committee on Wednesday, October 30. 

READ MORE: The main Oxford planning applications submitted this week

Watlington equestrian plans (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council) Planning officer Tom Wyatt said: “Officers recognise the size and scale of the development represents a significant change to the sensitive landscape and will clearly alter the viewers' experience of the site in terms of those living nearby and passing through the landscape.

"However, in the overall balance, officers do not consider this change to be detrimental. There are many positive aspects to the development including extensive planting, bio-diversity enhancements and the re-use of long-redundant buildings appropriate for this rural area. 

“Officers consider that the application should be granted subject to the recommended conditions.”

Objector Gill Bindoff, from Watlington Parish Council, said: “This is a really important application for Watlington because it has an impact on the nature and the countryside that surrounds the town and which local people feel so strongly about. You will have seen the high number of objections to the development and will appreciate that a lot of local people have turned out this evening. 

“It would lead to a fundamental change to the character of the landscape. Great weight should be given to preserving and enhancing the landscape.”

William Perrin added: “This will shatter the tranquility of this site.”

Jo Turner, one of the applicants, said: “We are a farming family with land across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, farmed with regenerative methods. I have a passion for horses and I have seen a gap in the market for people to bring their horses and stay in a wonderful location. 

“We have played with a straight bat, but it has been hard to ignore the noise. Posters have been put up all over the public rights of way by the objectors. There is nothing in this application to fear.”

Councillor Ed Sadler attempted to recommend the committee go against the officers' recommendation, but he did not have a seconder. 

Councillor James Norman proposed to allow the scheme and said: “I feel that this is the kind of development which is sustainable and low impact. The officers have done an extremely through job covering the reasonable objections. I am convinced that those objections have been sensibly looked at and dealt with.”

The committee voted to approve the scheme with six for and one against. 

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby