Question for knowledgeable landowner types...

[barkinghorse]

The house we are buying has a number of acres, some horticultural, some agricultural, some grazing and the rest woodland. The property does not have any Ties, would we still need to apply for change of use for horses?
Have tried ringing and writing to the council, but no one has ever got back to us, even when we have included an S.A.E.
Your imput would be gratefully recieved
Jo

 

[juliebrewer]

Hi, im no expert but this is what we have been told because we use agricultual land for horses. The horses can graze the land but would need planning permission to use the buildings as stables. I was told that you could bring a horse in if foaling or injury on humane grounds. You could write to a town and country planner on the requirements but you will have to pay for this. you wont have any problems from the council unless someone complains. good luck

 

[runaway]

Again I'm no expert but am not aware of any requirements re grazing horses on land unless there are ties/stipulations on the land. The use of buildings is another matter. But unless you bought the land with ties or on the principle that you are farmers and were going to use the land to provide an income then think you can safely graze horses on it without worrying. Probably worth a call to Defra though, make sure you have plenty of time!!!!

 

[zizz]

well we were told when looking at a four acre field with no ties and no building that we woulds still need to change the use to equestrian. the way to get round this is get four sheep or more for every horse present then it still counts as agricultural lol

 

[miller]

We had to change ours to 'equestrian use' from 'agricultural use' even though there were no ties - council were fine about it

 

[SamuelWhiskers]

Are you in a position to go into the council?? If so, go in to see them, they always have a planning officer on duty, so you do not need an appointment, sit and wait for them and discuss this with them face to face! They should tell you exactly what to do then and give you the right forms etc