A FARMER’S plans to launch a riding business have again been dashed after residents objected.

The Lake District National Park has thrown out proposals, submitted by David Rivera, to convert stables and a menage area into a business base at Windsor Farm, Wasdale.

The application faced more than a dozen objections.

The authority refused proposals because of problems with the access track and because it’s “an area of exceptionally high landscape and cultural heritage”.

The former zoo boss originally submitted plans in March last year but withdrew them in the face of objections prompted by his time running the former South Lakes Wild Animal Park.

He again lodged proposals in August last year but, while his bid to construct a manège and use an outbuilding on the farm as a holiday let were given the go-ahead, planners threw out the riding centre plans.

The decision was upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.

David said: “I can’t see what they actually wanted, this is for two young ladies who want to set up a riding business - there won’t be any more vehicles going up and down the track, it just seems an odd decision.

“The last decision by the Planning Inspectorate was about the passing places on the access road.

“All they said was that the road was too steep and that was rectified by putting in the passing places, it’s a private road, not a public one and there are no cars on it.”

He said he would appeal the decision.

A number of people sent in letters of objection.

Georgia Clarke said: “My major concern for this change of use would be both horse and rider safety.”

Karen Latus said: “I object to this proposal on the grounds that there’s not enough room on the roads for this type of venture.

“Farmers who have lived there for many years have enough trouble dealing with a barrage of vehicles.”

Barry Norman said: “I feel the Wasdale valley could struggle to cope with yet more traffic, as the infrastructure is not the best.”