Securing stable improvements – Planning permission for new equestrian school

PDP_Stable Improvements

Planning & Design Practice recently gained planning permission for the demolition of a modern agricultural building and the construction of a menage/ outdoor equestrian school with associated stable facilities.

The site is located to the west of a complex of barn conversion dwellings, off Park Lane approximately 1 mile to the south of Rodsley village in open countryside. The operations on site were confined within the building, as a number of stables and a menage were inside it. The purpose of the proposals was to open up the views to the south from the dwelling house which is currently blocked by the modern agricultural building.

The removal of the large, modern ‘agricultural’ building was considered a significant improvement to the character and appearance of the area as this would enhance views of the site from areas overlooking the site and for the applicants views looking out. The application proposed to retain and extend the menage, and to facilitate for the keeping of horses, it was proposed to erect a new stable building to the west of the menage on an area which is currently hardstanding. The stable building for the new equestrian school will be roughly formed in two L-shaped sections linked with a roof.

The Council approved the application, considering that the proposed new stable block, that is of similar design and materials to the building being removed, will not have any negative impact on the context of the grouping and layout of the farm buildings to the east of the application site.

Obtaining planning permission can provide you with the dream home or business in the countryside, or the way of life you have always dreamt of. It can also bring about significant gains and help to maximise the value of your rural property. However, development in the countryside is subject to strict planning controls which can make obtaining planning permission very difficult.

Despite what is often thought about the limitations of rural planning policy, there are many routes homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas can take in order to secure new development. We have vast experience of working on rural projects including equestrian development, barn conversions and tourist accommodation. If you are looking to secure planning permission for a change of use on a property or business please call us on 01332 347371 . We provide an initial no obligation consultation and can help you make the right decision.

Farming diversification for the new decade

PDP_Farming Diversification

The National Farmers Union (NFU) have recently published their 2020 Farming Diversification Report and with the start of a new decade, a number of factors have made the opportunity for diversification more attractive.

The UK’s departure from the EU will result in the progressive withdrawal of CAP subsidies and the introduction of the ‘ELMS’ Environmental Land Management Scheme. This is intended to divert payments to land where the quality of environment is enhanced, for example increased biodiversity, water and soil quality or protection of historic environments.

The rise in popularity of ‘Wellness Tourism’ also provides an opportunity for diversification, as those in towns and cities turn to open countryside retreats. We recently obtained Listed Building Consent for the conversion of a Grade II listed farmstead in Longford to six holiday letting units.

The introduction of Class Q Permitted Development Rights also allow for the conversion of modern agricultural buildings. This can allow a diversified stream of income, reducing the reliance on farming activity. We have been involved in many successful Class Q conversions.

Planning & Design have worked on numerous diversification schemes, a prime example being Wakebridge Farm at Crich. The farm dates from the late 18th Century and is built on the site of the former Wakebridge Manor and chapel. The proposed redevelopment involves the establishment of a sheep dairy enterprise with associated creamery, hotel, restaurant and bar. We were delighted to obtain Planning and Listed Building Consent for the full redevelopment for the farm which is a prominent feature in the landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including:
• Rural housing development
• Barn conversions (Both via a planning application and Class Q)
• Agricultural dwellings and occupancy conditions
• Agricultural buildings
• Equestrian development
• Farm Diversification schemes
• Tourist accommodation
• Certificates of Lawfulness
• Restoration of Listed Buildings
• Planning permission within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

If you have any questions about a rural planning project please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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