Horse grazing to require a licence

Under the scheme, only owners who hold licences and abide by the scheme’s terms and conditions will be allowed to graze their horses on the commons.

The regulations have been introduced in collaboration with the parish council, residents’ association and police to prevent overgrazing.

The terms specify that all horses must have valid passports or be chipped and that those over one-year-old must be tethered.

Owners who do not follow the conditions will lose their licences and their horses will be removed from the common – risking hefty fines for their return.

Councillor Olivia Rowley, the council’s cabinet member for environment and communities, said: “Although it’s nice to see horses grazing on the commons, the areas are in danger of being overgrazed.

“Not only do we want to protect the beauty of the commons but we also want to make sure that the horses have plenty of room and are properly cared for,” added Coun Rowley.