Planning and surfaces for building arena in visually sensitive area

TGM

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I think we are finally going to bite the bullet and apply for planning permission to build an arena in our field. We not only want to use it for ridden exercise but also as an all-weather turnout in wet weather to prevent land poaching. However, we are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are several houses that overlook the field (although I don't think any of them can see it from the ground floor, only from bedroom windows).

Just wondered how people in similar situations have fared? Did you manage to get planning permission and if so did they stipulate specific surfaces to be less visually intrusive? We would particularly like a frostproof surface (we have a good aspect for it) but wonder if planners are opposed to rubber, for example. I must say we had no objections to our planning when we built an extra stable and storage barn.

How many of your have been turned down for planning for an arena and what were the reasons given.

Thanks in advance for any info you can give us!
 

Tamski

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We built ours in an AONB. The planners specified that the surface must be dark and we have silica sand with shredded rubber on top.

We had to supply samples of the materials but other than that had no problems
 

crabbymare

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other than stating that its for personal use only so will not mean loads of lorries turning up ;) planners do not like tall floodlights lights so worth making it clear that it will not have any and also mention recycled when you say about the rubber for the surface. may be worth asking the planners to come out and tell you what they would like so it gets a better reception
 

Polos Mum

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may be worth asking the planners to come out and tell you what they would like so it gets a better reception

This is great advice, here ours came out gave a view on location, materials and things they'd look for in the application - we did as they asked (all pretty common sense) and we had no issues.
Lights do seem to be the key sticking point, so even if you want them it's worth applying without and then applying at a later date for lights separately (it's only a few weeks til clocks change so fingers crossed you won't need them til autumn!)
We have a couple of 'security' lights on the side of the barn that conveniently just happen to light the school - not well enough to jump but plenty for flat work.
 

TGM

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We built ours in an AONB. The planners specified that the surface must be dark and we have silica sand with shredded rubber on top.

We had to supply samples of the materials but other than that had no problems

That very good to know - I would prefer sand and rubber to be honest, so glad they actually want a dark surface! Thank you.
 

TGM

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This is great advice, here ours came out gave a view on location, materials and things they'd look for in the application - we did as they asked (all pretty common sense) and we had no issues.
Lights do seem to be the key sticking point, so even if you want them it's worth applying without and then applying at a later date for lights separately (it's only a few weeks til clocks change so fingers crossed you won't need them til autumn!)
We have a couple of 'security' lights on the side of the barn that conveniently just happen to light the school - not well enough to jump but plenty for flat work.

We definitely plan to consult the planners first - we have done that before with other planning issues and have found them helpful. But it is always useful to know what others have or haven't had approved.

We are not worried about having lights, so that won't be an issue.
 
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