A FARMER has had to abort his plan to convert a barn into an equine embryo clinic. St Albans District Council s planning officers have turned it down on the grounds that it would be an unsuitable use of Green Belt land. Steve Collins, who currently grazes

A FARMER has had to abort his plan to convert a barn into an equine embryo clinic.

St Albans District Council's planning officers have turned it down on the grounds that it would be an unsuitable use of Green Belt land.

Steve Collins, who currently grazes sheep and horses at St Stephens Farm in Chiswell Green Lane, St Albans, is believed to also keep polo ponies on his land.

Equine embryo clinics are used for the artificial insemination of top-class competition horses to ensure purity of the line.

Mares brought into the clinic would be inseminated by stud horses kept on the farm for breeding purposes.

David Lane, acting for Mr Collins, said: "We felt this was a suitable use for Green Belt land."

It is not known yet whether Mr Collins will appeal the decision.