Proposal lodged for riding centre

A new Riding for the Disabled Association centre for the Stirling area has taken another step forward.

A formal planning application has been lodged for Equi-power Central Scotland RDA for their proposals for a site at Kildean, at the Kildean Loop, north of Selbie Place.

The plans include converting a steel barn with a new extension to provide a stack room, toilets and changing areas, a riding arena, services and landscaping.

Equi-power Central Scotland RDA was established in 2015 to support people with diverse physical and cognitive needs through equine therapeutic activities.

The charity’s activities to support and empower people with physical disabilities has expanded to encompass people with cognitive conditions such as dementia and autism, as well as veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and families in stress.

Following loss of the Bannockburn RDA in 2014 to commercial development, the charity has not had a home and has operated from a series of temporary commercial stables.

In documents submitted with the application, agents for the charity said: “Stirling Council have leased the site to Equi-power for the purpose of this development to provide the charity with a permanent home, providing financial security, safeguarding their role in the community and enabling them to expand their activities.

“The project site comprises approximately 19.35 hectares. It is currently disused agricultural land, defined by the River Forth on three sides and the route of a proposed new road to the south.

“The site has a low level of recreational use by local dog walkers and bird watchers who primarily use the riverside path, outside the site boundary. Ecological surveys have confirmed the site has some habitat value, but nothing of unusual significance. There is a single structure on the site, a disused Dutch Barn.

“A pre-application consultation highlighted the importance of mitigating flood risk, avoiding pollution of the river, and safeguarding the route of the Kildean Link Road. The guidance has informed this planning application.

“The centre will provide home to around 12 horses, with paddocks and associated support facilities for their care. There will be one main building accommodating a horse arena, changing rooms, toilets, family/carer room, café, and other support functions.

“The masterplan includes a location for a future yard manager’s accommodation, for purposes of security and animal health.

“The public footpath for walkers around the site perimeter will be safeguarded and enhanced by additional planting to promote biodiversity. Vehicular access will use the current point of access from the public road. This will be altered when the proposed new public road is created.”