The stud that part owns the olympic gold medal winner Tripple X could face closure if a nosy-neighbour gets his way.

Plans scuppered

Emma and Mike Phillips bought Quainton Stud in 2004 and have since turned it into one the UK’s most prestigious equestrian centres. They have bred and produced some of the countries top horses, including a string of horses competed by Ben Maher, and also hold regular competitions and clinics.

In order to continue running equestrian events there, the Phillips need to submit a formal planning application, which a certain villager is determined to scupper.

“He has been complaining about what we do here for years,” Emma told H&C. “Every five days he writes to the planning enforcement team, describing our so-called illegal activities here.”

Working the system

They have already had plans to build a house turned down after the protestor created flyers opposing the build, and obtained nine letters of objection. And now Emma is worried he may once again use his influence as a liberal democrat councillor and chairman of the parish council.

“He knows how to work the system, and he wants to close us down,” Emma said. “It’s all politically motivated - he has preconceived ideas that we’re all posh, loaded and Conservative.”

Signatures of support

To help safeguard their application Emma and Mike have set up a petition, to show the council the support they have from not only local people, but also the whole of the UK equestrianism.

“We are gold medal winners, charity supporters, educators, employers of local people and are sensitive to environmental issues,” said Emma. “Aylesbury Vale council are very supportive of what we do, but the signatures are to strengthen our case.”