PLANS have been revealed to create a therapeutic horse riding centre in Horwich to help people with special educational needs.

Owners of the domestic riding stables in Factory Hill have applied to create the facility and erect a building containing four stables, a lecture room and toilets.

Developers would also relocate the manège, which received planning permission in 2016.

Clare O’Donnell, who is the daughter of the landowners, would be managing the centre.

In a statement to Bolton Council, she said: “I am a hard-working, dedicated, self-motivated individual currently working towards my Masters in Equine Science.

“I have a passion for working with those with special educational needs and disabilities.

“My own personal interest since an early age has been horses, these unique creatures have the ability to interact with disabled individuals and produce an outcome different to the results of other types of therapy.

“My goal is to create a unique environment that allows people with disabilities the opportunity to interact with horses in order to develop a variety of personal qualities.”

A statement submitted by the applicant claimed there was a shortage of these types of facilities in the area with the nearest one in Chorley.

The development would be situated on the northern side of the tarmac lane close to the treatment plant.

It would also be opposite a number of houses.

The statement continued: "This is a career move by the applicant. The applicant has undergone significant training and is undertaking significant qualifications to undertake a business opportunity, which would provide both outdoor sport and recreation training and facilities for other less fortunate."

The hours of operation of the centre are currently not known.

The current domestic stables were built after planning permission was obtained from Bolton Council in 2016, which also included the construction of a tack room.

More information is available by searching for reference number 02696/18 on the planning portal at bolton.gov.uk