Riding arena proposed for North Yorkshire village

A new horse riding arena could be constructed at a farm near Scarborough.

Plans have been submitted for an "equine manège" to be built adjacent to an existing one at Eastgate House Farm, in Seamer.

The proposed 196ft (60m) x 131ft (40m) arena would be used for horse exercise and jump practice and "small scale" events.

Since plans were lodged a number of people have come forward to back the application.

One letter in support, from Laura Rafferty-Trow, said the arena would "support local grassroots equestrian sport" and "support the mental health of a section of the rural community by supporting hobbies, sport, social activities and outdoor time".

Another supporter, Jonnie Jeeves, said: "An all-weather arena of this size and quality would be a huge asset to the local equestrian community – there is nothing comparable within an hour's drive of Scarborough."

No objections have been made by the North Yorkshire Council's environmental protection team, the ecologist, the Highway Authority or Seamer Parish Council, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A date has not been set for deciding on the application.

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