Equestrian Development within the GreenBelt

AtchinTan

Hello, I’m looking for some help and advice regarding a change of use of Agricultural land to Equestrian and the development a a small stable block and ancillary store.

The site extends to 1.5 acres and sits wholly within the green belt. We propose to site a double stable and store room (approx 12ftx24ft) on a concrete pad. In addition we intent to create a small access track and hard standing from limestone chip to enable vehicular access onto the site.

The site is served by a private road adjacent to railway lines and cannot be seen from any direction as it is bounded by a mature tree and hedge line.

Firstly, would planning permission be required for this development (as I believe) and secondly, if so, is it likely to be granted.

Davesnave

You would need planning permission for the access track, the hardstanding and the stables, plus a change of use for the land itself if you are doing more than just grazing. i.e. feeding horses.

Each council has its own approach to this sort of application, so none of us can tell you what the chances of success are. You could book (and probably pay for) a pre-application meeting with the relevant planning officer to test the waters, especially if you are only thinking of purchase at this point.

This is an area where hiring a specialist planning consultant might also pay dividends. They will know about matters like an ecological survey, or access statement, which may well be required prior to submission of applications for PP.

If you can't afford the consultant. then 'borrow' what you can from other similar applications on your council's web site.;)