AN INTERNATIONAL showjumper has spoken of the shocking moment he discovered a brick had been hurled through his pickup truck's window, claiming it contained a message protesting against plans for an indoor horse arena.

As reported, an application to build an equestrian centre in Foxes Lane, West Wellow, whipped up more than 120 objections and 26 letters of support after the plans were submitted to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) by Blackwater Equestrian.

Residents objected to the proposals fearing the building would tower over the area, while others believe it will increase the risk of flooding if approved by planning chiefs.

Now, police officers are on the hunt for the person in question after they were alerted on Saturday to a brick that came smashing through the back window of a Nissan Navara in Foxes Lane.

It is believed the damage was caused between October 1 and November 22.

One of the owners of Blackwater Equestrian, Mark Hallion, said he realised his window had been vandalised after their company vehicle was driven around Salisbury, Wellow and Romsey over two days.

The 57-year-old said: "As I entered the driveway at home I thought 'what has happened to the back window'? I went to have a look and thought 'my God, it's broken' and someone had obviously chucked the brick through the rear passenger window.

"The brick was wrapped up in a brown paper bag that looked like someone had bought their lunch in it and used a biro pen to write 'no to the indoor building' on it.

"I thought it was probably someone who was being very stupid and had too much to drink, as it was in a place where they thought they wouldn't be seen.

"My wife, Claire, was furious and she just said 'what an idiot' when she found out what happened."

Mark stressed he has now repositioned cameras on the site in a bid to catch any future criminals red-handed.

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said anyone with information on the incident is asked to phone 101 with the reference 44200451865.

When asked what the indoor horse arena could offer the community if it is approved by TVBC, Mark said they could work more with the Riding for the Disabled Association and would not have to worry about sessions being cancelled due to poor weather.

He said: "The important thing here is the riding for the disabled and if anyone has doubts about that then they can come and see these children on a Tuesday.

"Through the winter it will rain a lot and the indoor centre means they can do this all year round.

"Lots of people give up their time for nothing to help these children and even my neighbour said she would love to be involved when they start riding again.

"I just think people need to look at it like that and not be so negative about it because we want to expand our business."

When questioned if TVBC's planning enforcement officer advised them to stop work on the site before planning permission had been granted, Mr Hallion confirmed this.

As previously reported in the Advertiser, Mark said the "last thing we want is for [the horse arena] to look like an industrial estate", adding "it will be level and there will be a grass bank around it, so the only thing people will see is a green roof".

He also stressed part of the plans will address flooding concerns with an “improved drainage system”, where water will “only be released gradually back into the ground”.

“We have also offered to dig out the whole pond and tidy up the area,” Mr Hallion added.