A breeder of rare horses has been granted permission to build a stable block and manège in a field in Baddesley Ensor.

Owners of three properties near the site had objected on various grounds including increased traffic, the impact on nearby listed buildings, pollution, smell and vermin issues but the plans were given unanimous support at this week's meeting of North Warwickshire Borough Council's planning board.

In his report, planning officer Jeff Brown explained that the application for the site opposite Baddesley Farm, in Lower House Lane, had been amended since first being considered last year.

He said: "This application has been revised substantially since its initial submission. In order to address concerns raised by the highway's authority, the proposed built development has moved, the facilities have been reduced in size and the stabling use would be restricted to a private use and horse breeding only, with a limit of six stables."

Applicant Joe Dickinson confirmed that changes had been made and the stableyard had been designed so that it was in keeping with neighbouring buildings. He also confirmed that because the facilities were for his own use, there would be no added traffic onto the highway.

The site will be used for the breeding of Irish Draught horses with the manège providing a safe and secure area to exercise and train them.

In a letter to the council, Mr Dickinson explained: "Our aim is to increase the dwindling numbers of the endangered breed. We have several Irish Draught broodmare who have all achieved Class 1 Merit, this means they are the best of the best. Well respected judges have commented that these types of mares are exactly what the breed needs to gain popularity once again.

"In 1979, the Irish Draught Breed Society Of Great Britain was founded to protect, promote and to conserve the Irish Draught breed after being recognised as an endangered breed."

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the plans. Cllr Margaret Bell (Con, Hartshill) said: "It seems a really appropriate use of the space and I can't see that the proposed manège and stable block is going to impact on anyone."

An additional condition was agreed ensuring that existing public footpaths across the site would be maintained.