A "dream" livery operation with a dressage arena, stabling and storage, which was built without planning permission may have to saddle up if planners don't agree to a retrospective request for the work.

Megan Ispas, of Newnham-on-Severn, has been told by Forest of Dean District Council that a change of use of land to equestrian, the construction of a dressage arena and various extensions, including extensive stabling, must now be retrospectively approved.

But Ms Ispas, who built the facilities with her husband on her father's 40-acre farm at a cost of more than £50,000, told Punchline-Gloucester.com that while setting up the equestrian business had been her dream, she had already changed direction – and now hopes to be able to keep the development solely for personal use.

Ms Ispas said: "My father, who farmed the land, is in poor health, and when I stepped in I took on sheep farming, which I was so bad at that everyone was shouting at me, which was when I realised I could pursue my dream of a livery business."

She said that a well-recognised local shortfall in livery, as recently reported in Punchline, suggested the idea had realistic prospects for success as a diversification move.

But she added that with six horses now being owned by her family, the investment would be exclusively for personal use.

She added: "Through a third party, grazing has now been taken up on land eslewhere by about 30 horses, but that is on a clear basis of being separate to this, with no use of what we have built."

Documents submitted to planners indicate that the work, which was recently begun was virtually completed in anticipation of being able to start the operation in October last year, when Ms Ispas listed Boseley Stables as a new opportunity for riders.

In a social media post she stated: "I have just opened a new livery yard in Westbury-on-Severn, brilliant facilities with amazing riding including woodlands. Brand new arena being put in NOW too."

Acting for Ms Ispas, Simon Rees, of Worcester-based Addison Rees Planning Consultancy Ltd, told planners the proposed development is "not for commercial use".

Mr Rees said the site sits on a parcel of land measuring 0.35ha and adjacent to the applicant's home, Boseley House, adding: "The scheme also includes a new dressage arena to the north of the stables. This area would have a 1.2m timber post fence with an equine recycled rubber flooring."

An extension to the existing stables building was also requested: "This will provide four further stables. The materials are to match the existing building."

Additionally, a new menage arena was proposed on the southern boundary, which would span 33m by 23m and have the same fencing as flooring spec as the dressage arena.

He said: "The above works have started, most of which has been completed. Therefore, the proposal is retrospective."