Thursday January 22nd 2026
Retirement livery is based at Congalton Gardens, outside North Berwick.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A couple who were refused permission to build a home next to the retirement livery they set up for ageing and injured horses should be applauded for their passion and commitment, councillors are being told.
Carrie McDonald and her partner Greig Baynham established Congalton Garden Stables in East Lothian in 2018 to provide specialist services for the animals but say without being able to live on the site they cannot expand the business.
But when they applied for permission to build what they argued was housing for essential workers’ at the rural business the application was rejected because the council’s consultants did not believe it was a ‘viable business’.
A report to planners pointed to the fact both Carrie and Greig hold down full time jobs as well as running the livery as proof it was not viable, however in a statement of appeal, their agent says it only demonstrates their commitment to it.
He says: “To ensure that the business is successful, both applicants have other jobs. They fully acknowledge that the livery business could not support two of them (at this stage).
“Whilst the rural surveyor saw this as a weakness, we should acknowledge the commitment and passion that Carrie and Greig continue to show towards the business and it is their tireless commitment that underpins the credibility of this proposal.”
He adds: “As with any new and niche business, it has taken an extraordinary level of time, commitment and financial input from the applicants to ensure the business continues but this places an unnecessary strain on their ongoing quality of life not to mention their desire to start a family of their own.
“For that, both applicants should be applauded and supported.”
He goes on to say the couple currently live in North Berwick which is nearly five miles from the livery and despite their other jobs attend several times a day to look after the horses as well as providing feeding, medication, attending vet visits and overseeing other care for them.
In his appeal which will go before next month’s meeting of East Lothian Council’s Local Review Body, he appeals to elected members to overturn the refusal.
He says: “The implications of a refusal are that a young, economically active, entrepreneurial and hardworking family is placed in a position that the continued operation of the Congalton Garden Stables would continue to put immeasurable strain on their time and commitments.
“Carrie and Greig would love to secure the future of the business, plan for its growth whilst looking to start a family of their own.
“Living on site would make these aspirations a reality. Surely planning policy should be used proactively to help applicants like this and not be used to prevent them establishing and growing a local rural business.”
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