Livery extension plans get Farmers Union backing

The Malzard Racing and Livery Stables which operate on the site could get 10 new stables

A planning application to extend a farm in north-west Jersey has been supported by Jersey Farmers Union (JFU) and horseracing authorities.

Grosnez Farm in St Ouen has applied for permission to build a 764 sq m (8,223 sq ft) extension to its existing livery site.

The Malzard Racing and Livery Stables, which operate on the site, could get 10 new stables and an extra storage area if the plans are approved.

JFU president Doug Richardson said the benefits of the expansion were "huge".

'Opportunities and facilities'

"It gives you diversity of employment within your population and the skillset within your population is much more diverse," he said.

President of the Channel Islands Horseracing Authority Jonathan Perree said it was "fantastic" to see investment in the area.

"Within the youth of the island we don't know who is capable of becoming the next Carl Hester," he said.

"We need to be able to go out there, make sure they have the opportunities and the facilities to come and train."

Seven-time Olympian Hester, from Sark, won a bronze in Paris in the dressage team event.

Planning and Building will decide if the application can go-ahead, with the government planning website saying the application is currently pending.