PLANS for a polo field in Langley have been earmarked for refusal by district planners who say it is contrary to policy and would impact on a public footpath.

PLANS for a polo field in Langley have been earmarked for refusal by district planners who say it is contrary to policy and would impact on a public footpath.

The owner of Langley Abbey is seeking permission from South Norfolk Council to practice and play polo on a field off Stone Lane.

A report to councillors states that the site is a 13-hectare field and there is a public right of way across it.

“It is proposed to change the use of this land to allow polo to be played on it,” the report says.

“It is intended to set up a polo club based at Langley Abbey Farm. It is intended the field would be used to give polo lessons to either individuals or small groups at any point during the day depending on the client's requirements. This would result in three people being employed.

“It is also intended to have practice matches once or twice a week which can vary in size between one against one or up to four against four which would be an extension to lessons.”

The report adds: “It is also intended to hold up to five tournaments a year, which would be large scale events, where other clubs were invited to play matches and tickets would be sold to spectators.”

Langley with Hardley Parish Council recommended approval of the scheme saying that it would bring employment into the village and the local area.

However, they noted that concerns were raised by some members of the public regarding access and transport.

The district council has received three letters of objection from local residents.

Highways have objected to the scheme and say it would increase traffic movements on an unmade road and on the junction between Stone Lane and Ferry Lane which has substandard visibility.

A rights of way officer said the activities proposed would adversely affect the public's use of a footpath that crosses the site, but that they would not object to the application subject to the diversion of the footpath along the northern edge of the field.

District planners have recommended that the scheme be refused because it is contrary to policies of the South Norfolk Local Plan and would impact on a public footpath.

The plans are due to be discussed at a meeting of the district council's south and east area planning committee on Monday.