Stables in Barn Conversions

[bellgave]

Does anyone stable their horse in a barn conversion. Eg an older wooden type of barn? I have just bought a barn which I am hoping to convert into stables. There are plenty of new purpose built barns around to look at, but I need info on older ones, so I can see how to keep planning officers etc happy and still be able to put in windows and nice big doors to keep it well ventilated etc. any pics of coverted barns would be a great help, or indeed any words of wisdom and advice!!

 

[airedale]

If you don't change the external appearance of the building then you don't need PP.

Hopefully the building has never had a condition imposed on it that states it cannot be used for animals (this is more common then you may think).

You will not be able to alter the roof to add skylights.

Adding 'windows' will probably not be possible but you should be able to retain the external wooden appearance and create extra 'top doors' witout too much problem.

I would have expected an old barn to have large doors anyway and if those already exist you are unlikely to get PP for anything extra.

If you do need to have PP then make sure that you do not do it yourself and go thru a professional planning consultant who specialises in equestrian and old buildings - they do exists - and not necessarily the bunch that advertise in nag and dog.

Also - if you need to go for PP for anything then it may be best to apply for any arenas, horsewalkers, etc at the same time - as planners often can agree to one application and then slap a condition on specifying 'no further development'

You might also find yourself caught in the 'change of use' from agricultural to equestrian loop - again get a planning consultant.

You may also find that you need LBC - is the barn locally listed ?

 

[ruscara]

I can't add anything to Airdale's excellent advice regarding planning etc. In fact, we are still struggling with planning for change of use for ours - the farm put in for planning retrospectively and have had to produce a detailed 'farm plan' to satisfy the local council. Anyway, for what it's worth, this is what ours is like:

We have big doors at either end, good strip lighting and water and electric points in the barn. It is nice and airy, but weather and wind proof in winter. We have 'gale breakers' fitted over the doors at each end, that we can pull down in bad weather. It has been very well thought out, and the horses are happy there.

 

[bellgave]

Thanks for all your advice. I realise there are a lot of rules and regs. And I am going to find a really good local architect whose in with the local council.

Also thanks for the pics, and I hope your council arent too stubborn and help you out!!