Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell secure win for £30,000 plan following row

Halliwell, 53, and Horner, 52, who previously headed Red Bull's Formula One team, operate stables accommodating 14 horses along with a full-time trainer at their countryside estate.

West Northamptonshire District Council granted approval for the facility after multiple local residents lodged formal objections, raising concerns about the building's height, its impact on the landscape, insufficient screening measures, and potential light pollution.

The council imposed stringent conditions on the approval, stipulating that the facility must remain exclusively for private equestrian and land management purposes.

"The building shall be used for private equestrian and land management uses only and no commercial use, including riding lessons, tuition, livery or competitions shall take place at any time," the authority stated.

Planning officials acknowledged the walker features a steep pitched roof relative to its size but concluded the functional design suits the rural setting.

"Giving regard to its siting, scale and rural-equestrian character, the design is considered appropriate for the open countryside location and would not harm the character of the area," the council added.

Lighting specifications must receive separate approval before construction commences, though officials determined the structure's distance from neighbouring properties minimises potential disturbance.

The couple proposed planting 12 trees to screen the training equipment, a measure planners deemed satisfactory.

Despite the approval, local residents expressed strong opposition to the development.

One neighbour who objected described the structure as "extremely prominent" on the skyline, stating: "The proposed structure would be extremely visible from our property, other village properties, and from a public highway."

The resident argued that such a building in a rural conservation area "would be unacceptable as it would completely change the character of the area."

Objections also centred on the proposed location being distant from existing buildings when alternative sites were available.

Another local criticised the lighting arrangements and dismissed the screening proposals as "totally inadequate."

They complained: "There is already significant lighting at the property. We would not want to see this area illuminated outside of normal working hours."

A planning agent representing Halliwell and Horner defended the application by referencing Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs codes regarding animal welfare.

The agent wrote: "It states that animals must be given freedom to exercise off the tether for a reasonable period at least once a day."

He explained the horse walker would ensure proper exercise regardless of weather conditions or other limiting factors, adding that once the new hedgerow matures, the facility would be largely hidden from public and private views.

This latest planning dispute follows a pattern of disagreements between the celebrity couple and their neighbours.

The pair recently obtained retrospective permission for a pergola constructed without prior approval, whilst last year they secured consent for a second swimming pool despite objections it would mar the landscape.