A planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council to regularise use of existing building, combining approved storage use with use as a horse recuperation exercise area.

Wagtail Farm Racing Stables, in Wagtail Lane, Craghead, Stanley, also want to change the of use of external land to form surfaced turnout and exercise enclosures, and formation of surfaced gallop track.

In the applicant's letter to the authority, they say: "Wagtail Farm Stables is a long-established equine site which provides a mix of stabling both for livery customers and racehorse owners, who utilise the expertise of the applicant to look after young horses in training and those recuperating from injury."

The farm also has another planning application submitted to the council for residential accommodation on the site to allow for better care for the animals, and in this process must address changes of use for the areas in this application.

They say: "All three of these elements have been developed on the site as part of the evolution of the equine business and the increased emphasis on providing racehorse care facilities.

"The elements within this application do not create any material change in the way the stables are being operated or increase in intensity of use.

"It can be noted the use of the building for exercising horses creates no new planning considerations.

"The ability to use the building as an internal exercise space is not considered to require consent.

"In addition to this, it should be noted that the use of this space is not permanent and is also used for the storage of feed and equipment, including the applicant's horse box."

"The accommodation proposed is in the form of a single storey log cabin, which is proposed to be located on a permanent basis adjacent to the southern boundary of the site in the location previously occupied by temporary accommodation on site.

"Plans of the proposed cabin are included with the application and it can be noted that this is of simple dual pitch form, and with an overall length of 12m and width of 9m."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054