Do I need planning permission for field mats??

[LizScott]

Our neds are all settled into their new field but at the moment we don't have any stables for them. We will definitely be getting 4 mobile stables before the winter and I gather I don't need planning permission as they are on skids. BUT I'm thinking about the area in front of the stables - it's going to get pretty churned up and yukky unless I put some field mats or something down and wondered whether I need planning for these? I've seen some that are like rubber tiles but say they can be laid on soil, or alternatively, the honeycomb ones that let the grass grow through...

Does anyone have experience of field mats? Do they work? Ideally I'd like an area to wash ponios legs off, pick out feet and generally be able to keep them clean before a competition in the winter! Am I asking too much lol?

 

[rema]

i'm no expert but i wouldent have thought you would need PP for mats as they are portable and not fixed to the floor as such.Maybe give your local planning department a call just to on the safe side

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

From my understanding (talking to a rates man last year), the major issue is that the ground is not covered, e.g. a field remains grass. I would have thought the grid type mats that the grass comes up through would be okay - maybe call the supplier/manufacturer and ask?

 

[Booboos]

I dón't think you need PP for the mats, but on the negative side they do not work either! As far as I know, and I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, you do not need PP to hardcore agricultural land and could, if you wanted to, turn the entire field into hard standing. You may, however, get into trouble with the stable appearing more permanent then. Why not apply for PP for the stables?

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Horses don't count as 'agricultural' as far as most, if not all, councils are concerned, hence needing planning permission for things that if they were you wouldn't need permission for.

 

[LizScott]

QR
Thanks for the advice! We can't apply for PP as the field is rented - the owners (Blenheim Estate) are happy for us to have temporary stables and anything else that doesn't require PP. I see your point about the ground not being covered - I will email our planning dept and see what they say!

Booboos - have you used field mats? I've heard that they're really good but don't want to buy if this isn't the case!!

 

[Donkeymad]

I have field mats, they have been down for several years and they are brilliant - not perfect - but very worth while. And no, you shouldn't need planning permission.

 

[teresagarsden]

I have field mats at both of my gate ways and they have been fantastic, i did have to join them with cable ties to stop the mud coming between them but it worked out great all through winter.
No planning permission needed for the honeycomb mats i checked with a friend that works in planning.
Teresa

 

[PeterNatt]

In very much depends on the local planning department. Some insist that planning permission is applied for for mobile shelters. Some also insist on planning permission for agricultural fields which are used for the grazing of horses.
Even if you are not the owner of a property or field you can apply for planning permission!