Plans for a new horse riding area at a farm site in Ellistown have been given the green light by North West Leicestershire District Council.

A application for the arena, cafe and other small buildings plus external lighting at Pickering Grange in Ellistown Terrace Road, was made in March.

It was given planning permission this week, despite some concerns that the lighting might affect neighbouring properties.

A council officer's report says that the larger site dates back almost 900 years.

It reads: "The wider application site is known as Pickering Grange, the farmhouse on site is a Grade II listed building.

"The site was originally moated, and was the grange of the abbey of Garendon - being given to the abbey in c. 1140 and was leased to John Pickering in 1531; from whom the present takes its name.

"The application site itself is situated 150metres south of the Farmhouse within an existing agricultural/equestrian complex.

"This application seeks full planning permission for the erection of a riding arena, cafe and a small judges box building including additional hardstanding and external lighting.

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

"Whilst the principle of horse related development is considered to be acceptable, the policy is subject to a number of criteria, including in respect of impacts on the natural, built or historic environment, integration with existing built development and accessibility."

There were some objections from residents concerned about the lighting impacts on neighbours and wildlife - and regarding future growth of the site and potential for noise pollution.

The report adds: "Neighbouring residents have raised concerns in relation to impacts on residential amenity as a result of the external lighting.

"The closest residential property to the application site is at least 350 metres away from the proposed development.

"The Council's Environmental Protection Team have assessed the proposed lighting scheme and have no objections.

"It is noted that a similar application on site was recently approved for external lighting which restricted the hours of use for other external lighting by condition.

"Taking into account neighbour concerns, and following a discussion with the Environmental Protection Officer, it is recommended to use the same hours of use - 8am - 9pm.

"The applicant requested an earlier start time of 7am however the Environmental Protection Officer advised that it should be 8am.

"Neighbour concerns have been raised regarding the intensified use of the site. Taking into account advice from the Environmental Protection Team and the details submitted in the applicant's design and access statement, overall, it is not envisaged that this proposal would significantly intensify the use of the site beyond the existing use of the site. On this basis of the above, it is not considered that the proposal would cause any significant overlooking, overbearing or overshadowing issues or result in noise, disturbance or odours."