Pickering Grange Equestrian at Ellistown has been given the go-ahead to expand its facilities - including the installatkon of a cross country track.

The venue, situated at Ellistown Terrace Road, made a planning application in April for a storage building, installation of cross country track, jumps and steps, together with lighting columns.

The track would include solid jumps and steps / ditches for horses to train on as part of their education together with lighting posts and the construction of a storage shed to store portable cross country jumps.

The proposed development will be linked with the existing equestrian facilities at the site, including a large riding arena and associated hardstanding and access tracks.

Pickering Grange says it will provide a relaxed, luxurious environment and high quality professional care.

The owners live on-site, providing 24-hour surveillance and security.

It adds that horses can enjoy all the facilities from competing at regular shows or clinics to hacking through miles of off-road accessible countryside.

The site offers professional, modern facilities for horses and their owners set in the heart of the National Forest.

There are also American barn style stables, undercover horse walker, indoor, outdoor and free-schooling dedicated arenas, heated tack rooms, indoor hot water wash-down and solarium area.

A North West District Council report concludes: "The principle of development is acceptable.

"The proposal is not considered to have any significant detrimental design, heritage, residential amenity, ecology, flood risk, or highway impacts.

"There are no other relevant material planning considerations that indicate planning permission should not be granted."