A DIOCESE has applied to Shropshire Council to make land it owns and used for equestrian over the last decade ‘lawful’.

The application from the Lichfield Diocese Board of Finance was submitted to Shropshire Council on November 5 for land off Lowe Hill Road in Wem, known as the Glebe.

An planning statement submitted by Wharfe Rural Planning, on behalf of the Diocese, that set out the use of the land over the last 10 years shows ‘irrefutably’ that it was solely for equestrian use and can be given a lawful certificate.

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It said: “The land is the Wem Glebe.

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“Since April 1,1978, by virtue of the Endowments and Glebe Measure 1976, all Glebes became vested in each Diocese’s Board of Finance.

“All profits from the management of the Glebe land are used to fund clergy throughout the diocese and to reduce the contributions required from all the parishes equally.

“The land and building have been let for equestrian use for over ten years, but there is no known planning history permitting this use.

“The applicant now seeks to regularise the planning situation for the land.

“This application, therefore, requests confirmation from the council that the equestrian use of the land is lawful.

“The area subject to the certificate application is sited to the west of Wem, and features a large plot of land just over six acres in total.

“The site features one brick building, which has been used as part of the wider equestrian use of the land, and some fences.

“The land mostly consists of open grazing land.”

An appraisal included with the application says it is seeking confirmation that the land use is ‘lawful through the passage of time’.

It added: “The evidence provided with the application demonstrates that the land and the building on it have been consistently used for equestrian purposes for over 10 years.

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“Google Maps provides irrefutable evidence that horses have been kept on and grazed on the land since 2009.

“Furthermore, the image from May 2011 demonstrates the land has hosted more recreational equestrian activities, such as jumping and teaching, indicating a thoroughly established equestrian use of the land.”

A decision would be expected on the certificate by New Year’s Eve and can be found by searching 24/04164/CPE.