CONTROVERSIAL plans to create Olympic-level dressage facilities in a village have been given the green light.

Assouline Dressage is set to build a new stable block and covered equine arena at a field next to Nightingales Farm in Brickhouse Road, Colne Engaine.

Mette and Michel Assouline are internationally renowned dressage trainers who have produced Olympic and Paralympic stars as well as national champions.

Plans were first submitted in February 2021, which were recommended for approval but later withdrawn due to objections raised in connection with the shared ownership of the access to the proposed development with a third party.

These issues have since been resolved, with the proposals now amended to utilise existing access which is in the sole ownership of the applicants.

Assouline Dressage has operated from a nearby site since 2005 providing 24 stables.

However, a planning report says this site can “no longer meet the requirement for the Para-dressage training”.

Proposals detail plans to build facilities consisting of a part single, part two-storey stable block providing eight stables and a detached covered riding area.

The facility would not operate as a livery yard nor be open to the public and is not proposed to operate as a riding school.

It is also noted no equestrian shows or competitions would operate from the premises.

Planners say the site would provide an “exciting opportunity to introduce a new development” which would “support the local and national economy” and “further raise the profile of this successful business and the local area”.

The plans have received more than 30 objections, including from Colne Engaine Parish Council.

It says the building is “beyond a scale expected in this location”, whilst also raising concerns over “increased traffic movement” which is “unacceptable on a rural narrow road”, as well as “inadequate parking”.

Concerns have been raised by residents over noise levels, light pollution and smells.

At a Braintree Council planning meeting, councillor Gabrielle Spray moved the recommendation for approval, which was seconded by councillor Lynette Bowers-Flint.

The plans were approved by the council.