BUILDING work is set to begin on a ‘monstrous’ development that will expand a horse business after planning permission was approved.

Kington Langley Stud will build a state of the art facility at Limetree Equestrian that will be 2,430 square metres, the equivalent to nearly half a football pitch in size.

Wiltshire Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee approved the plans in the village just north of Chippenham, however neighbours said the building would have a significant impact on the area that includes Grade II listed buildings. Applicant Gillian Livock told councillors the building will be used to run important stem cell research for horse rehabilitation and would ensure the business could remain in the village in the future.

She said: “For the last five years we have been working with stem cell scientists on a product to speed up helping injured by horses. We have prevented horses being put to sleep and believe work could soon be applied to humans.”

Cabinet member for planning Cllr Toby Sturgis said: “It is going to look like an industrial complex in the countryside. It could have been done better for example several building to break it up. I am very disappointed because it will be a monstrous building in the setting. I wish more information had also been provided.”

Chairman of the planning committee Cllr Tony Trotman called it a ‘contentious’ issue that had caused angst among some villagers.

Councillors approved the plans six for, no against and four abstentions.