Historic Formby Riding School Says It Was Never Consulted as Questions Continue Over Brackenway Development

One of Formby’s longest-established community organisations says it was never consulted before construction began on a major housing development immediately next to its site.

Bowlers Riding School, which has been serving the community since 1941, has raised concerns that neither Sefton Council nor the developer consulted the business before work started on the Brackenway development, despite its outdoor riding arena sharing a boundary with the site.

The riding school has now written to Sefton Council’s Chief Planning Officer outlining its concerns, while Formby Parish Council has formally backed the business and called for an urgent meeting with Sefton Council and the developer.

The riding school, which has been part of Formby’s community for more than eight decades, is home to around 42 horses, provides riding lessons for children aged three and above through to adults, offers horse livery, and is also the base for the Formby Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). The RDA branch is the oldest in the country and has previously welcomed a visit from HRH The Princess Royal in recognition of its work.

According to the riding school, it was never approached during the planning process to discuss how a large-scale housing development on its doorstep could affect its day-to-day operation.

In its letter, the riding school says it finds this “deeply concerning”, particularly as it believes it was obvious that construction activity immediately next to its outdoor arena could have an impact on the business.

The school says heavy machinery, construction noise and movement close to the boundary have already caused horses to become unsettled. As horses are naturally sensitive animals, sudden noise and unexpected movement can cause them to spook, creating potential safety risks for riders, instructors and the horses themselves.

The riding school says there have been occasions where it has been unable to make full use of its outdoor arena because of construction activity, resulting in disruption to lessons.

In addition to the immediate impact of the building works, the business has also raised concerns over future boundary security once the development is completed, drainage and flood risk, and measures to control vermin during construction.

Formby Parish Council has now written to Sefton Council in support of the riding school.

The Parish Council has made clear that it is not opposed to the Brackenway housing development, which already has planning permission. However, it says major developments should be delivered in a way that respects neighbouring businesses and protects long-established community facilities.

In its letter, the Parish Council says it is disappointed that the riding school appears not to have been fully engaged before construction work began immediately alongside its boundary.

It has called for an urgent meeting involving Sefton Council, Taylor Wimpey, Bowlers Riding School and the Parish Council to discuss practical solutions.

The Parish Council is also seeking clarification on:

• Whether Bowlers Riding School was identified as a sensitive neighbouring use during the planning process.

• What mitigation measures are in place to minimise disruption during construction.

• How the approved Construction Environmental Management Plan is being implemented.

• What measures are proposed to address concerns over safety, drainage, flooding, boundary security and vermin control.

The Parish Council also reminds Sefton Council that both the Sefton Local Plan and the Formby & Little Altcar Neighbourhood Plan require new developments to protect neighbouring land uses, manage flood risk and respect established community facilities.

The latest concerns come after a number of issues have previously been raised in relation to the Brackenway development.

Since work began, Formby Bubble has reported on concerns from residents and local representatives relating to matters including construction traffic, road conditions, working practices and compliance with planning conditions. Those issues are separate from the concerns now being raised by Bowlers Riding School but add to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the development.

Bowlers Riding School has been part of Formby’s history since 1941, teaching generations of local children and adults to ride while providing invaluable opportunities for people living with disabilities through the Riding for the Disabled Association.

The Parish Council says it hopes all parties can now work together to ensure that this much-loved community facility can continue to thrive alongside the new housing development.

Formby Bubble understands further information may be released in the coming days and will continue to keep readers updated as this story develops.