Top-quality equestrian facility planned near Devizes

The construction of a new top-quality equestrian facility in Wiltshire has been given the go ahead.

Wiltshire Council approved the application submitted on behalf of Julian Podger, an owner and trainer of horses competing at an international level, for Woodbridge Farm in Littleton Panell, to the south of Devizes.

The application states that Mr Podger has been an equine trainer for 20 years and has won at international level, most recently at Cirencester Park International Event and Somerford Park.

This new facility in Wiltshire would allow him to bring his event horses onto one yard and train to compete at “international five-star events”, while supporting other younger riders.

The site is approximately 4.4 miles from Devizes. (Image: Symonds and Sampson)

The facility will include an outdoor arena and an all-weather cross country course, and should provide full-time employment to four people.

The cross-country course will result in development around the edges of three fields.

According to the application, up-and-coming riders will also be able to hire out the arena and cross-country course to experience international-standard facilities.  

It noted that there is a “severe lack” of such high-quality provision in Wiltshire.

It also predicted further part-time roles at the yard and stated: “These will be local individuals due to the nature of the work and normally younger rural people that would struggle to find employment immediate area.”