Equestrian and rural buildings we design
Every site and every yard works differently, so we start with how you will use the building day to day: mucking out, feeding, storing hay and tack, and moving horses safely in and out.
- Stable blocks and American barn style stables with a central aisle
- Outdoor riding arenas and ménages
- Field shelters and mobile shelters
- Tack rooms, feed stores and hay barns
- Agricultural and other rural buildings
You can see a recent example in our projects gallery: a timber-clad stable barn with internal stables either side of a central aisle, natural roof lighting, a decorative rubber-paver entrance and an outdoor riding arena.
Feasibility before you commit
Before any detailed drawings, we look at whether the idea is likely to be acceptable. That means considering the site's countryside location, how visible the building would be from roads and footpaths, access for vehicles and horse boxes, and any designations such as a national park, conservation area or nearby listed building.
We also look at the scale of the proposal against the land available. Planning authorities commonly consider whether the number of stables or the size of an arena is proportionate to the grazing, and whether the use is private or commercial. A clear brief at this stage avoids redesigning later.
Drawings for stables, barns and arenas
Where a measured survey is needed, we can carry out a measured survey of the site or existing buildings. We then prepare the drawings the application needs: location and block plans, floor plans, elevations, sections and, where helpful, 3D visuals that show how the building will sit in the landscape.
Design choices such as timber cladding, roof pitch, ventilation, natural roof lighting and the position of doors all affect both the horses' welfare and how the building looks from outside. We draw these in enough detail for the planning authority to understand the proposal and for a builder to price it.
Equestrian building planning permission
Most new stables, barns and arenas on land that is not part of a domestic garden need planning permission. Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings generally apply only to land used for agriculture as defined in planning law, and keeping horses for leisure is usually not treated as agriculture. Small structures within a house's garden may fall under householder rules in some cases, but limits on size, height and position apply.
Ménage planning permission is normally required too, because forming an arena involves engineering works and a change in the use and appearance of the land. Applications usually need to explain the surface, drainage, fencing and any lighting. We prepare and submit the planning application and deal with the planning officer's questions. The local planning authority always makes the final decision, so we recommend checking the position for your own site before work starts.
Lighting, drainage and other considerations
Floodlighting for an arena is often the most sensitive part of an equestrian proposal in the countryside. Authorities may look at light spill, hours of use and the effect on wildlife and neighbours, and may set conditions. Drainage matters for both arenas and stables: surface water from roofs and arenas, and the storage of manure, need a practical solution that protects nearby watercourses.
Highways access, parking for horse boxes and the effect on public rights of way can also be relevant. Where the building will be constructed, building regulations drawings and structural drawings may be needed depending on the type of building and its use.
Where we work
We work across Hampshire from our office at Solent Business Park, Whiteley, including Fareham, Southampton, Portsmouth, Havant, Winchester, Eastleigh and Romsey. See all the areas we cover, or contact us for a free on-site consultation.
We work across Hampshire, roughly 40 miles around our Whiteley office, with occasional projects in London. See the areas we cover.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for stables?
In most cases, yes. New stables on land outside a domestic garden usually need planning permission, because keeping horses for leisure is not normally treated as agriculture. Check the position for your site with the local planning authority.
Do I need ménage planning permission for an outdoor arena?
Usually. Creating a riding arena involves engineering works and changes the appearance of the land, so an application is normally needed. It should explain the surface, drainage, fencing and any lighting.
Can I add floodlights to a ménage?
Lighting often needs permission and is assessed carefully in the countryside. Planning authorities may consider light spill, hours of use and wildlife, and may attach conditions.
Do field shelters need planning permission?
It depends on the size, whether the shelter is fixed or genuinely mobile, and how long it stays in one place. A fixed shelter is usually treated as a building, so ask the local planning authority before you buy or build.
What do you need from me to get started?
The site address, photographs, how many horses you keep, the land available and how you plan to use the building. We then arrange a free on-site consultation and quotation.