Plans to build an indoor equestrian arena at a farm Packington have been approved by North West Leicestershire District Council.

The scheme, at Hill Farm on Spring Lane, follows an arson attack on a barn on the site last year.

Now the farm owners want to convert that area into a horse riding arena to meet local demand for a facility such as that.

The district council says that the proposal involves the conversion of an agricultural building, previously used for the storage of straw to an indoor equestrian arena.

This would be linked into the existing livery onsite (for 14 horses), horse riding lessons and to link in with the campsite located on the farm due to an increasing demand for the equestrian side of the business.

A planning statement adds: "The proposal is to change the use of the existing farm building into an indoor arena to be used alongside the existing equestrian enterprises on the fam.

"The existing building has until recently been used for the storage of straw, but in October 2020 suffered an aggravated arson attack.

"Following this the straw storage has been moved to the other side of the farmyard as advised by the fire service and insurers and away from Spring lane.

"The building is no longer required for that use.

"There has been an increasing demand for the equestrian side of the farm business and therefore the need has arisen for an indoor arena which can be used in all weathers.

"In addition, there is increasing demand to teach young riders away from busy roads.

"The use will also link in with the campsite located on the farm where there has been demand for visitors to stay over with their horses and make use of the nearby bridleways within the National Forest."

This is how Ashby Nub News covered the arson attack live last October Packington farm hit by arson attack.