Can I offer livery at my private yard?(yard sharing)

[Eventerlad15]

Basically, to try to fund this horse on lease I have to work 30 hours a week, and I need to try to make as much dosh as possible.

So, thinking of letting out a stable or two, just wondering if thsi is allowed and how much I could charge per week etc?

 

[Kenzo]

I think to offer livery you have to have been granted change of use on your stables after a certain date (not sure when this was) my YO was telling me, as he was saying that another place in the village has just opended up as a livery yard but said they will get closed because they have to had permission passed....but I don't know all the ins and outs of it all, I'm sure lots of people do it on the side, but when it comes to insurance etc then I suppose that is when 'doing things correctly' comes into play.

 

[Passtheshampoo]

Agree with Kenzo. Yes you could do it "on the side" but how likely is someone to dob you in with the Council? Lots of farmers near us have diversified into horses over the last few years and I'm sure not all have done so legit so as to speak. With regards to charges it would depend on what facilities you have and what charges are like in the local area. Perhaps you could try "sharing" your yard with friends rather than clients. I have a small yard and rather than go down the route of taking in liveries I just rent the whole place out to one person, that wouldn't suit you though as your horse needs to stay there. Hope you find a solution.

 

[eoe]

Unfortunately you have to apply for planning permission for change of use. You also have to register for business rates and they will take into account how many stables and the facilities you get charged for your schools. A lot of councils when granting initial planning permission for stables and menages put a restriction on them that they are for private use only and that the menage can only be used from 8am to dusk. Speak to planning and put forward your scenario and ask for their advice and then make your decision. Sorry to put a dampner on your idea but it pays to be honest I know a couple of people who have not and have paid a very high price.

 

[Donkeymad]

Unfortunately you will become liable to business rates, so would probably be worse off.

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

We got PP a year or so back for a mini barn with 4 stables and there was a clause in the PP saying for private use only.

So officially no you cant offer livery.

Business rates are a nightmare, esp as they are assessed on the facilities you have not on whether they are used ie you get charged on all the empty stables.

 

[FRESHMAN]

You definately have to have Planning permission & change of use which then automatically kicks in business rates. Quite right too! Welcome to the real world of legitimate livery yards. Why sould some have to pay extortionate rates & full insurance etc whilst others put the money into funding their own hobby. It has to be a level playing field. Or put the law abiding yards out of business.