After recently purchasing a new property we were approached by a client to assist with a planning application compromising four loose boxes and associated storage, a 20 metre x 60 metre riding arena and the change of use of land from agricultural to equestrian.
The land use had traditionally been agricultural however following the split of the original farm this now only comprises four acres which would be too small to continue this use. The applicant was a keen dressage rider and had competed at the Horse of The Year Show, having relocated to the countryside she wanted to have her horses at home and provide adequate training facilities.
One of the biggest obstacles to development was the nearby Great Crested Newt population and biodiversity enhancements were a condition of the planning permission. Additional enhancements had to be made such as reducing the amount of hedge cutting and ensuring field maintenance. Through working with the local authority and an ecologist were able to achieve a successful outcome for our client.