PLANS to retain a horse-riding stable and sand school in Perranporth have fallen at the first hurdle.

Cornwall Council has refused a retrospective planning application following the facility being built at Wayside Barn Field in Reen due to concerns the scheme harms the intrinsic character and appearance of the countryside.

The planning agent stated the stable provides a dedicated, safe, and weatherproof facility for domestic equestrian use for the applicant to house and manage horses on the land year-round while the sand school provides an area to train and exercise horses.

But Cornwall Council’s planning department has stated the applicant has not demonstrated the scheme would have no adverse implications on ecology in the locality through the lack of any ecological surveys provided.”

The applicant has the right to appeal against Cornwall Council’s decision but will have to tear down the stable and remove the sand school if it goes against them.

Planning agent Robert Hoskings, on behalf of the applicant, said: “This application seeks retrospective planning permission for the retention of the existing domestic equestrian stable block and associated site works.

“The application site is located within the rural hamlet of Reen, in the parish of Perranzabuloe, situated within open countryside between Perranporth and Goonhavern.

“The hamlet is characterised by a dispersed pattern of dwellings, agricultural buildings, and equestrian facilities, interspersed with open fields, hedgerows, and small clusters of mature trees.

“No commercial use is proposed. This type of development is consistent with the rural character of Perranzabuloe, where domestic equestrian facilities and small-scale agricultural structures are commonplace.

“The stable provides secure space for horses, tack, feed, and equipment, reducing reliance on external storage.

“On-site borehole water and PV solar power significantly improve sustainability and operational independence.

“The site layout supports safe equestrian movement, vehicle access, and machinery use, and enables rotational grazing, responsible pasture management, and year-round exercise provision.

“The stable has been sensitively positioned to make effective use of existing hedgerows, trees, and natural topography for screening.

“Its modest footprint, subdued materials, and low-profile roof ensure the building sits unobtrusively within the rural landscape. The removal of redundant structures has further improved openness and reinforced the rural character of the area.

“The stable and associated works continue to support responsible equestrian management while maintaining the rural character and visual amenity of the Reen area.

Cornwall Council’s refusal notice states the issues with the scheme are “so fundamental” a satisfactory way forward is not possible.

It stated: “The scale, form, fenestrations, design, materials of the building, associated engineering works, landscaping, sand school and domestic paraphernalia harms the intrinsic character and appearance of the countryside.

“Thereby the proposal fails to preserve or enhance local distinctive style of the area, as seen from the nearby golf course, adjoining and surrounding road network furthermore the building represents an unsustainably located building without special justification whose future users would have a high reliance on the private motor vehicle as the site is not well related to public transport links.

“The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by identifying matters of concern with this proposal.

“On this occasion, the issues are so fundamental that it is not possible to negotiate a satisfactory way forward due to the harm that has been clearly identified within the reasons for refusal.”