Converting outbuildings

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RidingAgain

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I've recently moved to a rural property with about an acre and a half, which includes a paddock. We are on a very equestrian rode with a couple of livery yards, stables next door and horses in the fields around us. A smallholding on the other side. I would love your thoughts on my current plans for stabling at home.

I am considering my options as I can't wait much longer before I NEED to have my own horse again! I'd really like us to have a horse and pony at home rather than at a livery yard. This will work well for me as I mainly work from home and we have lots of facilities for borrow/hire on the road and plenty of places to hack. I'll be looking to rent another paddock to ensure adequate grazing.

There is a perfectly sized outbuilding in our garden, just by the gate in to our paddock. It's in great condition, on a good hard-standing with a slight fall, solid construction, electricity and near to water. Currently 14ft by 26ft. A small concrete yard to one side - helpfully leading to the field - with 2 derelict sheds on the other side that could be replaced with a tack room and feed/bedding store.

I think the work needed is quite modest. The doors and windows will need replacing and it will need lining with kickboards and partitioning. There would be no change to the outside appearance apart from the doors looking different and the interior fixings could be the 'bolt-on', internal, temporary style. It's not going to look swanky but would be good-sized stables, safely set up.

My concerns are the ceiling height. It's 9.5 ft high, but has a few beams that come down to 7.5 which I could wrap. We wouldn't keep anything above 16h but likely around 15.2 and a smaller pony. Would this be a problem for planners do you think?

Planning wise I will be seeking advice from the council but am wondering, if I'm careful about the temporary internal fixings if we might be able to avoid planning permission? Any thoughts on that? Anyone managed that?

I'd be keen to know whether I'll need any change of use for the field/property? It won't be commercial and the field has been used by the neighbours to graze sheep (but no idea whether anyone official knows that).

I'm sure I'm missing something obvious (and expensive) and I'd love to know what it is!

Thanks in advance.
 
Field will most likely need change of use! Because officials may not be on the ball be cautious many locals will be !
If the building is within the curteledge of the house which as you describe it may be the case no planning would be needed to alter. However a quick visit from the planners would confirm that.
 
Thanks @popsdosh - that's really helpful. Would you be concerned about the ceiling height with horses/ponies of that size?
 
@popsdosh - absolutely, though it's important to minimise spend so I'll only do that if I need to. Thanks so much for your help.
 
Has the land had horses on in the past ?
If so I would not worry to much about change of use you already own the place so I would just get on and enjoy your place .
 
I have low roofs/beams in my stables. The only time I find them an issue Is when the dentist is doing my horses teeth, then they are too low and make things difficult. It's only 1/2 a year though so it's not a huge problem. Your new place sounds exciting.
Make sure companion pony can be left alone happily else that quickly becomes a problem!
 
Thanks and good thought about the companion pony @poiuytrewq. Have just posted a thread in "the tack room" as think I might have found a horse I want to buy. EEK!
 
Thanks @Goldenstar. I *might* be purchasing sooner rather than later and thinking of having my new mare come and love out for a couple of months over the summer and then go to a livery down the road for a bit while I get things better set up and remind myself of everything. Think it'll be helpful to have the contacts, on-site support of the livery at first but still want to aim to have her here permanently in due course.
 
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