Plans for horse laundry facility at farm approved

Plans to open a horse laundry facility on a site in Bradford that was recently granted permission for a dog swimming pool have been approved.

The proposal to convert a barn into an "equine laundry facility" at Simpsons Green Farm in Thackley was given the go-ahead by Bradford Council.

The application, by Rebecca Lazanby, said the development would be a "rural enterprise that supports the equestrian community".

Previous plans to install a temporary pool for the "training and recreational swimming of dogs" at the same farm were approved by the council earlier this year.

A Grade II listed barn on the site would be re-purposed as a "small-scale equine laundry facility for the cleaning and maintenance of horse rugs and associated equestrian items", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The operation would function through collection and delivery by the applicant using existing vehicles, meaning increased traffic and parking should not be an issue, the application added.

Approving the scheme, planning officers said: "The building is currently somewhat underused, with some boarded-up windows and missing rainwater goods.

"The repair and maintenance of the building fabric would contribute positively to the long-term preservation of the heritage asset.

"The proposed use is compatible with maintaining its agricultural character and heritage significance."

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