A POPULAR charity saved from closure is celebrating after plans to secure its home for the future were approved.

Harwich Horse Rangers had been under threat when it was forced to give up its grazing field, with the owner selling the land.

After a flood of support from businesses and residents, the charity received an offer to move to the grounds of Ramsey Manor care home, in Michaelstowe Drive, just across the road from its old fields.

The charity made the move in June and had applied to Tendring Council for retrospective permission to use the site.

Now the group, which teaches horse riding to children from the age of eight, has been given the all-clear to use the land and buildings to continue its operation.

Sioux Thorpe, managing director of the charity, said: “It has been over a year now since we started to move and we would like to extend our thanks again to Ramsey Manor for our new home.

“At long last it is confirmed that we are able to stay here. Now we have planning permission to build a proper horse manège, which is an allocated area to ride horses.

“We are all absolutely delighted to get this news.”

The scheme includes converting a derelict barn to stables and a room in a bungalow for storage, as well as the outdoor riding area.

Staff facilities are also included as part of the application.

The Rangers provide sessions for children on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, with groups staggered throughout the day – and no more than 16 at any one time.

Operating hours are between 9am and 5.30pm.

Tendring Council considered that the riding school’s use was acceptable and that it is in a sustainable location.

It was also decided that there would only be a minimal impact on the character of the area or on nearby the nearby Grade II listed buildings.