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Hotel expansion set for approval despite horse fall fears

RAD Hotel Group A picture of Hetland Hall Hotel viewed from the side with a dramatic sky above itRAD Hotel Group
The council is being recommended to approve the plans

Plans to expand a country house hotel in southern Scotland have been recommended for approval despite fears they could increase risks for horse riders at a neighbouring stable.

The RAD Hotel Group wants to extend its Hetland Hall Hotel near Carrutherstown, creating up to 60 jobs.

Hetland Hill Stables - where a young rider died after a fall in 2019 - has objected due to concerns that visitors to the proposed lodges might bring dogs which could spook its horses.

However, a report to Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) said the closest lodge would be about 30ft (9m) from the boundary and that was considered to be "appropriate" separation from the gallops.

The hotel plans, lodged earlier this year, include 26 extra bedrooms, a spa and wellness facility and the creation of a new wedding and events space along with 10 woodland lodges.

The company said that if they were approved the proposals would "significantly enhance the hotel's wedding, accommodation and leisure offering".

DGC's planning committee is being recommended to approve them.

However, a submission on behalf of Hetland Hill Stables warned that the density of the proposed lodges near its gallops created "severe safety risks".

"Thoroughbred race horses are highly strung and the proposed residential and leisure areas pose a unique threat to the horses, the public and the riders," it said.

"If one of the horses is spooked by the slightest noise this can result in the horse and rider falling and bringing down others and this has happened in the past which resulted in a fatal outcome."

Natasha Galpin, 22, died after falling off her horse at the stables in January 2019.

A fatal accident inquiry later concluded it had been a "tragic, immediate, unforeseen and unforeseeable accident".

Google A hotel building with cars parked outside and trees on the lawns in front of itGoogle
Hetland Hall has operated as a hotel for decades

The council report on the hotel expansion noted the objection by the stables but concluded steps had been taken to address their concerns.

It said planting had been carried out to fill a gap in the trees in the area and also that the lodges had been positioned to face the hotel rather than the gallops.

It has recommended approval for the plans with a condition attached that any lodges should be removed within two months if they become "redundant or obsolete for any reason".