Whatever the reason you’re planning on having horses, it’s likely you’ll need planning permission to build a stable block on your premises. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration before planning permission is granted, and this is typically decided by your Local Planning Authority. This guidance better prepares you for applying for planning permission, and the initial arrangements you need to consider.

Stable block requirements

Common developments and building work that are required for keeping horses include shelters and stables, exercise pens, ménages and vehicle access, all of which require planning permission. Stable blocks have a number of requirements before they are generally accepted. They should be situated within or next to an existing farm building or hedgerow to provide a screening from eyesight. There are also size and height limitations that must be kept to in order for the permission to be accepted.

Planning permission exceptions

You may not need planning permission for a stable if it is put up within the curtilage of your house. This is the enclosed area around your house, and does not include adjoining fields. This condition is only exempt from planning permission if the horses are to be kept for personal use and not for commercial purposes and depends on the size and height of the proposed stable.

Commercial stable blocks

Livery yards or riding school establishments will also need a licence from Department of Environment, Farms and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Commercial stable blocks will require sufficient planning in terms of vehicle access and accounting for increased traffic to the area. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 needs to be addressed, with evidence to show that this has been considered in order to keep both staff and members of the public safe.

Considerations

In the countryside, there are a variety of elements that are taken into consideration before planning permission is granted. Stables and shelters can often be unsightly or harmful to the appearance of the surrounding environment so your local planning authority will bear this in mind as well as your neighbour’s opinions. The decision must also be made in accordance with the local development plan and government policy.

The NPFF (National Planning Policy Framework) aims to promote protection of the environment with new building developments and this will too be considered before planning permission is decided on. Because of this, it is worth showing how your proposed stable block may benefit the local community and economy such as using local traders and materials.

General requirements

General planning permission requirements dictate that stables must be designed and constructed in good quality materials to provide a safe shelter for horses. There are a number of general requirements to protect the safety and wellbeing of the horses.

Stables need natural lighting, and if natural lighting is not available then electrical lighting must be installed safely with no trailing wires that a horse can reach.

The stable should be constructed out of bricks/blocks or wooden partitioning with no snagging points such as protruding nails or anything that could be harmful to the horse. Stable doors should open outwards to provide a safe entrance and exit point.

Good quality materials should be used, designed clearly for the purpose. Metrotile’s Aquapan roofing is designed for animal shelters and stables to provide strong and secure protection, and has a 15 year weatherproof guarantee to keep horses safe from extreme weather conditions.

You can make an application for planning permission for a stable block online via the Planning Portal website. For more information on lightweight roofing for stable blocks, you can call Metrotile on 01249 658 514 or contact us online.