Petition - To ask Northumberland County council to recognise that we all need Townfoot Stables more than we need new unaffordable housing or holiday lets. There are multiple objections already lodged to the development at Townfoot farm of 7 substantial houses -   reference 19/04548/FUL (https://publicaccess.northumberland.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage  The following losses needs to be understood in considering the planning request.

Townfoot Stables has a proven record and in difficult times is more in demand than ever. It provides the following;

Access to beneficial equestrian activity – promoting physical and mental well being (exercise, mindfulness in action, enjoyment and achievement ) in a community where many people have chronic health or social needs.

Affordable and flexible options for a wide cross section of the community but in particular for younger women/girls, who NCC identified as an often neglected group in other sports across Northumberland.

A community resource for young people to learn essential life skills such as responsibility and reliability, and often moving on to long term employment in a locality which has limited work opportunities.

Inclusive access for those who may not otherwise be able to try the activity without buying expensive items, own a pony (even for a day) or to develop their skill in the sport by taking a horse to a competition day.

Equestrian therapy for numerous groups of people with wide ranging disabilities – reducing the burden on other services.

Many of these activities rely on the edge of village location where the stables can be easily accessed on foot or by public transport. The skill and support of the staff and the living creatures- many of which have been at Townfoot stables for many years   cannot be stored and then resumed at a later date. As the development would be on the land currently used by Townfoot Stables it would have to relocate to somewhere less accessible or permanently close.