A rubbish tip described as an "eyesore" by its owner is to be cleaned up and used for horses.

The land at Longworth, near Abingdon, has long been used by fly-tippers and as a dumping ground for wrecked vehicles, and was once used as an unauthorised gipsy site.

But roofing contractor Steven Curtis has received planning permission from the Vale of White Horse District Council to allow 1.4 acres of land at the former Springhill Farm to be turned into stables with a feed room, tack room and an area where horses can be exercised during the winter.

Mr Curtis, of Marlborough Road, Faringdon, plans to sell the land with planning permission for the stables.

He said: "For many years this area has been used as a dump and is an eyesore.

"I will have to set about cleaning the place up before selling. Once it has been developed for horses then it will bring about a big improvement to the area."

The site and adjoining land has a long and complex planning history.

Since 1965 when an old army and navy surplus stores shop ceased trading, 20 development proposals had been refused, 13 appeals dismissed and four enforcement notices served.

Plans for housing have been refused and an unauthorised gipsy caravan site and other illegal uses have been removed.

More recently the council served legal notices against the dumping of wrecked cars, beds, mattresses, trailers and for a car repair business.

Mr Curtis had initially planned to use part of the site for his business as a storage area for slates and tiles but was refused planning permission.

Under the district council's Local Plan - which is designed to protect the Vale from harmful development - the countryside can be developed for keeping and rearing horses, provided it does not damage the character and appearance of the area.

Government planning guidelines say that increasing the opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside for sport and recreation creates new uses of land and is an important source of income and employment.

District council area planning officer Mike Gilbert said: "Our view is the proposed development would not harm the character and appearance of the area or disturb residents.

"The equestrian use of the land is a positive move and may provide an incentive for the adjoining land to be developed."