Retrospective permission is being sought for a former farm near Bridgnorth which was converted to provide equine and leisure use.
Mr and Mrs Matthews of Apple Cross Farm in Alveley, are looking for planning permission to create pony paddocks for livery of around 20 horses, and a schooling and water area for pony clubs and riding clubs.
It also includes changes to support activities including housing for racing pigeons – a hobby of the applicant – as well as eight dog kennels and a trout lake, created as a fire pool.
The changes, which took place between 2013 and 2015, came after the farm had been used to breed Limousin cattle.
But it closed when a TB outbreak led to the slaughter of half the cattle herd with subsequent breeding issues.
Camilla Whitehouse, planning agent with Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP, said it had created five part-time jobs.
She continued: “The changes of use at Apple Cross Farm and erection of equestrian facilities have allowed for the diversification of an agricultural business into equestrian.
“Not only has this created a popular facility for people in nearby areas, but it has produced additional employment close to the village of Alveley, an area where local employment can be limited.
“The diversification has helped to enhance the local community through the
leisure facility that it offers, and also support and help to retain the local rural services through the additional passing trade which it has produced.
“The dog kennels allow a small scale family enterprise of breeding and training of specialist dogs to be successfully run. Established originally in Alveley, this activity developed to specialise in the rearing of labradors for specialist training as gundogs, Guide Dogs, Dogs for the Disabled and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.”
A decision from Shropshire Council is expected by the end of November.
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