PLANS to build an all-weather riding arena in the Hampshire countryside have been thrown out.

Lucy Scurlock-Jones lodged an appeal after the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) rejected her proposal to create the arena – known as a manege – at Little Pointers Farm in Linwood.

But Government-appointed planning inspector Jennifer Tempest has dismissed the appeal and upheld the NPA’s decision.

Ms Tempest said the proposed development would cause “lasting harm” to the landscape.

She added: “I have considered the appellant’s need for the manege and the ‘in principle’ support given to horse-related development in the national park.

“Whilst the breaking, training and riding of horses are not the appellant’s principal employment, the horses provide jobs for two part time grooms and the requirements of keeping the horses also supports local businesses.

“I appreciate that an on-site, all-weather and safe surface would be convenient.

“While it is clear that the NPA has accepted a horse-related use of Little Pointers Farm, this does not necessarily lead to related proposals being considered acceptable.

“I am not persuaded that the appellant’s personal requirement for a manege at the site are sufficient to outweigh the harm the development would cause to the national park.”