Equestrian Development Toolkit £29.99

Thinking of building stables, putting in an arena or putting up a field shelter? Before you spend money on drawings or contractors, find out what the planning system will really expect of you.

The Equestrian Planning Toolkit is a practical, step-by-step guide for horse owners in England. It covers everything from mobile field shelters and stable blocks to horse walkers, all-weather arenas and track systems. It is written by Jo Ellis-Jones, a planning professional with over fifteen years’ experience who has built her own family yard from a bare field. It explains in plain English how the process works and what the council will be looking for. It also shows the common mistakes that lead to refusals, so you can avoid them. Inside you’ll find printable site assessment checklists, design guidance for stables and arenas, and fill-in templates for your planning statement and Design and Access Statement. There’s also clear guidance on Green Belt, drainage, manure management, lighting and ecology. Whether you plan to submit the application yourself or want to brief a professional properly, the toolkit will help you start with realistic expectations and a stronger application. It will also show you when it’s time to call in expert help.