AN indoor horse arena with viewing and teaching space near Martinstown has been approved by Dorset Council – despite concerns over the impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The site, at Goldcombe Farm, Blagdon Hill, is close to Hardy’s Monument.

Both Winterborne St Martin and Chesil Bank parish councils raised no objection although the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team raised concerns about the proposal and some of the changes which have already taken place on the site.

In their submission they told planning officers: “A key concern relates to the impact of the site on views from the south, particularly from locations including Bronkham Hill and the nationally promoted South Dorset Ridgeway.

"Bronkham Hill contains one of the highest concentrations of scheduled ancient monuments, these being burial barrows, along the South Dorset Ridgeway.

"The Ridgeway itself is regarded as one of the most significant funerary landscapes in Western Europe. The hill is traversed by a national trail and the surrounding areas, in which numerous barrows are contained, is largely open access land.

“The existing activities within the site area are already significantly impactful on views from the south. In particular, the subdivision of fields using post and rail fencing has significantly altered the fabric and appearance of the landscape in a manner that does not conserve and enhance its appearance.

But other have taken a different view.

A Charminster woman has written to tell the council that some buildings which will be removed from the site, as part of the redevelopment, are an “eyesore” and the indoor school will be an improvement.

“The owners have also tidied up the whole farm, (which was extremely unattractive to look at) and put in safe and smart looking fencing,” she said.

Documents submitted to Dorset Council say the owners intend to operate a livery yard with a capacity of 28 horses, also offering rehabilitation and riding instruction for local pony clubs.