A stable plan for horse facility

By Lachlan Ellis

Council has approved plans for a horse breeding and training enterprise on Swans Road, Darley, with one objection and one supportive submission received on the application.

Applicant Erin Cubley briefly addressed Council at the 17 August Development Assessment Committee (DAC), arguing there was a “real need” for the proposed facility.

“Basically we’re wanting to go ahead with an equestrian, not centre as such, but equestrian rehabilitation centre as well as breeding facility. I’ve done a lot of work in the equestrian world over the years…there is a real need for this at the moment,” Ms Cubley said.

“We’ve put a lot of infrastructure on the property because we think it’s a perfectly situated property for it, and obviously we’re just hoping to proceed from there.”

Under the proposal, a dwelling would be constructed over three floor levels, with a four stable horse complex and exercise yard already built. Up to eight horses would be living on the site.

Opposing the plans, one nearby landowner wrote that the applicant had “demonstrated a complete lack of respect for the municipal laws”, citing a motorbike track that was “constructed without the required permit”.

Council Officers responded that under the Land Management Plan would “require most of the track to be removed for remediation works”, and recommended the application is supported with an approved Farm Management Plan and Land Management Plan in place.

Other concerns around “weed infestation, erosion risk and other related environmental concerns” would also be addressed under the Farm Management Plan and Land Management Plan, Council Officers said.

Council agreed, with Cr David Edwards moving to approve the motion, Cr Tonia Dudzik seconding it, and all Councillors present voting in favour.

Crs Ally Munari and Rod Ward were apologies at the meeting.