PLANNING permission has been given to convert farm buildings into a private equestrian rehabilitation centre.

Wycombe District Council has granted the permission for land at Hatches Farm in Great Kingshill.

The plans outline a change of use of agricultural buildings to create an equestrian rehabilitation centre incorporating admin office, horse walking area, stables, tack, wash and feed rooms together with the formation of a manege and lunge pen to north.

The agricultural buildings which are being converted are modern A-frame agricultural buildings and internally the building would be converted to form 42 stable boxes.

The notes from WDC officers said: "The proposal is considered to represent a form of development associated with outdoor recreation which is acceptable within the Green Belt and will have an acceptable impact on the special character and appearance of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"As the facility is intended only for private use it will not generate additional traffic and is far enough away from neighbouring properties to have no direct impact."

The rest of the buildings in the farm complex are to remain in agricultural use (extending to some 60 acres).