Horse expert’s new house plan
A horse behaviour specialist is hoping to build a new home in Bridge of Allan to support her growing business.
Felicity George has submitted an application to Stirling Council planners to build on land 295 metres south east of Old Keir Cottage.
The equine behaviour consultant runs Understanding Equines, which provides education on equine behaviour and improvements to the safety and welfare of horses and humans.
She is also director and chairperson of the Equine Behaviour Affiliation, a not for profit organisation.
Agents for Ms George said the business provides education and training in various ways, by principally teaching students at her yard (adjacent to the application site) by using the stables, her own horses at the yard and also the land. She also travels to meet some clients at their own properties where there is space to teach in an inside space in adverse weather.
The proposed house will provide both living accommodation for the applicant and her family and office space and meeting/training space for her business, which has been established for 10 years and is growing.
The agents said Ms George currently lives more than two miles away but this is no longer a satisfactory arrangement for several reasons including the need for multiple trips daily, no current on-site supervision, security and lack of inside meeting space.
They added: “Although detailed matters would be considered in any future application the indicative plot layout submitted shows the capability of the site to accommodate a single dwellinghouse. It is envisaged that a house can be well sited...along with enhancement through additional tree and shrub planting. It is proposed to use the existing access which serves the yard and leads from the unclassified Carse of Lecropt public road.
“The aspiration for a future home is a contemporary design but with a building mass reflecting traditional properties and appropriate to this rural location. The applicant intends to continue with native tree and shrub planting on her land, including in the landscaping of a future house.
“The applicant currently spends 50-60 hours a week at the yard. This includes providing training and courses on-site and running remote consultation and courses from the yard. Typically up to 100 students take part in long or short courses throughout the year, which the applicant would hope to expand. These are provided through a mix of online and face to face teaching at the yard. The applicant makes a minimum of two trips daily to/from the yard and her current home.
“Approximately 100 clients make trips to the yard each year, with some making only one trip and others having multiple repeat visits. There are no staff currently employed in the business.
“A substantial component of the education provided by Understanding Equines is sustainable land management, to provide horses with a healthy environment whilst not damaging the land. It has benefitted students in lots of ways other than just learning about horses; increasing confidence, practical skills, self awareness, communication skills, understanding of human psychology, helping students to go on to university courses/different job opportunities.
“In order for the applicant to continue to run, attract clients and expand her business, she needs to be able to create a sheltered, indoor teaching space with facilities (toilets, kitchen, electricity and heating) on site where her horses are located.
“The normal yard routine for the applicant is likely to start around 6am and can finish any time after 10pm depending on the circumstance.”
Council planners are expected to make a recommendation on the application in due course.