• Equestrian development including temporary stationing of a mobile home for an equestrian worker
• Countryside Location

Eight Acres is a parcel of land containing an existing stable block and poor quality outbuildings in a rural isolation, within the wider setting of a Grade II* listed building. It is currently used for the grazing and keeping of horses.

The existing stables and outbuildings will be demolished to make way for new equestrian facilities and a change of use to commercial. The development consists of the following:

• Stable building
• Hay barn
• Horse walker
• Mobile home

The Council's Conservation and Landscape Officers took great interest and meetings were held with them to finalise a satisfactory design to meet the client's needs and the Council's requirements.

Planning permission was granted in June 2011.

Key Issues - Countryside location

• Intensification of use
• Impact on trees
• Justifying commercial use in a rural location
• Justification for temporary mobile home
• Setting of a Grade II* listed building

Design Solution

Working with the other consultants, our Architectural Technician and the Council's Officers, a solution in terms of layout, design and amount was agreed and it was possible to provide a sustainable development that retained the setting of the Grade II* listed building with minimal impact on the countryside character of the area. As a result the proposal would be set back from the road and all equestrian facilities grouped together to improve visual impact and functional requirements.

Other partners
Equestrian Consultant - Rebecca Wilson, Equine Consultancy Group
Ecology - ENIMS
Trees - PBA Consulting
For more information contact Alexandra King, Planner