A retrospective planning application for an all-weather surface at College Farm Equestrian Centre in Keysoe has prompted mixed public comments, with several supportive responses – but one raised concerns about the planning process.
The application, published on Bedford Borough Council’s planning portal, seeks permission for the surface already constructed at the site.
Supportive comments describe the site as a valued local facility and note that recent improvements and community access have been praised.
One comment said the centre offered “informative walks with dogs and children” and a popular café, adding that it had planted extensively to support ecology and had “reduced traffic drastically over the past five years.”
Another supporter wrote that the track was needed so horses did not have to use public roads, saying “there is no noise from a horse riding on sand versus riding on grass,” and arguing that the track was only for horses based at the centre rather than outside riders.
However, one objection is that the work was carried out without the necessary checks.
The resident raised concerns over the loss of a footpath, the speed and number of construction vehicles, hedgerow removal, lack of ecology and archaeology surveys, and the use of tarmac.
They warned of “no controls on working hours or noise levels” and said part of the construction was on agricultural land without the necessary change of use.
But added that they didn’t want the track dug up because “the disruption to nature is not advisable”.
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 25/02042/S73A.
The overall consultation expiry date is Friday, 28 November 2025.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
