Puzzled by fears

I find the concern about the impact on the surrounding area puzzling, as the stables operate in a very respectful way to both the environment and local residents – often asking people not to park in the road to ensure neighbours are not inconvenienced.

They have even created a car parking area within the grounds, even though it is a very quiet country road and any parked cars would not cause any danger or inconvenience.

Both my daughters ride and now help at the stables and you could not wish for a more community-centred facility. The stables regularly raise money for local causes and charities and teach all the youngsters and adults who ride there to respect both the local area and the horses.

Girls are not only taught to ride well, they gain confidence and independence and are taught to take responsibility, as well as taking part in a healthy outdoor pursuit, something that needs encouraging, with digital technology playing such a big part in youngsters’ lives.

The friendly staff are led by the highly professional Julia Richards (or Jewels, as she is known), who instils her own set of good values in the youngsters she comes into contact with. She is a great role model, providing an excellent service and running a great and much-loved facility.

I hope the planners don’t confuse the continued operating of a small rural business which has minimal impact on the land and its surroundings with applications to build housing developments.

What could be a better use of this large piece of land than for some of it to continue to allow people to enjoy and learn about nature, wildlife and animals? Surely the national parks work in harmony with local people who make a living from the land?

Don’t let a few NIMBYs spoil people’s enjoyment of this lovely countryside in a very ‘green’ and environmentally-friendly way. The stables were there long before the area was given national park status, so they should remain and be allowed to grow a little in order to survive in these difficult economic times.

Arun District Council and the national park authority need to support these great little stables and see that as a rural business they complement the area they sit in, with an environmentally-friendly approach.

Kevin Kelly

Mallon Dene

Rustington