Equestrian heights

RCC were requested to provide planning consultancy services to create a brand new livery yard on a ‘greenfield’ site where there were no existing buildings or structures. The client had bought the site knowing it had previously been subject to the refusal of a planning application for a nine-hole golf course and driving range with the subsequent planning appeal also being dismissed. The applicant wanted to develop a full and competition livery use on the site consisting of an American Barn to provide stabling, a storage/hay barn and outdoor arena together with a horse walker. They also wanted to achieve residential accommodation on the site.

Due to the nature of the proposal, which proposed a number of new buildings a Landscape Architect was employed to assess the landscape impact. RCC worked very closely with the applicant to prepare a robust business plan for the proposal whilst also preparing a comprehensive planning statement in support of the application. These needed to provide justification for both the new buildings and need for the residential accommodation on this greenfield site.

The Council employed an Equine Consultant to assess the proposal and a number of issues raised by that consultant needed to be challenged during the application process. This left the Council in a position where the application was fully supported and approved under delegated powers with the temporary timber dwelling also being granted planning permission.

The business is now up and running, as can be seen from the photographs.