Having horses in your garden can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with your animals. But is it legal? Do you need planning permission to keep horses in your garden? The answer to this question depends on the area you live in and the size of your garden. In this article, we will discuss the different rules and regulations that may apply to you if you want to keep horses in your garden, as well as what you need to do to get planning permission.
What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is a legal document that gives you permission to build or change something on your property. It is granted by your local authority and is based on the size of your garden, what type of property you live in, and what you plan to do with it.
Do You Need Planning Permission to Keep Horses in Your Garden?
In general, you do not need planning permission to keep horses in your garden. However, there are certain conditions that must be met in order for you to do so.
Size of Garden
The size of your garden is an important factor when determining whether or not you need planning permission. Generally, if your garden is larger than 5 acres, you do not need planning permission to keep horses in your garden. However, if your garden is smaller than 5 acres, you may need planning permission.
Type of Property
The type of property you live in can also affect whether or not you need planning permission. If you live in a detached house, you generally do not need planning permission to keep horses in your garden. However, if you live in a terraced house or flat, you may need planning permission.
What You Plan to Do with Your Garden
Your plans for your garden can also have an impact on whether or not you need planning permission. If you plan to use your garden for riding, grazing, or other activities related to keeping horses, you may need planning permission.
How to Get Planning Permission to Keep Horses in Your Garden
If you need planning permission to keep horses in your garden, you will need to apply for it. To do this, you will need to contact your local planning authority and provide them with the necessary information about your property and plans for keeping horses in your garden.
Information Required
When applying for planning permission, you will need to provide the following information:
- Size of Garden – You will need to provide the size of your garden in square metres.
- Type of Property – You will need to provide the type of property you live in (e.g. detached house, flat, etc).
- Plans for Keeping Horses – You will need to provide details on what you plan to do with your garden (e.g. riding, grazing, etc).
Fees
In most cases, you will have to pay a fee when applying for planning permission. The fee will vary depending on your local authority and the type of planning permission you are applying for.
Timeframe for Approval
Once you have submitted your application, it can take up to 8 weeks for your local authority to approve it.
Other Considerations
When keeping horses in your garden, there are a few other things to consider, such as:
- Fencing – You will need to ensure that your garden is adequately fenced to keep your horses safe.
- Housing – You will need to provide suitable housing for your horses, such as a stable or shed.
- Food and Water – You will need to ensure that your horses have access to food and water at all times.
- Veterinary Care – You will need to ensure that your horses receive regular veterinary care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to keep horses in your garden, but you may need planning permission depending on the size of your garden, the type of property you live in, and what you plan to do with your garden. To get planning permission, you will need to contact your local authority and provide them with the necessary information. In addition, you will also need to ensure that your garden is adequately fenced, that your horses have suitable housing, and that they receive regular veterinary care.
References
1. Planning Portal. (2019). Do I need planning permission?. Retrieved from https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/do_i_need_planning_permission
2. Countrywide. (2020). Keeping horses on agricultural land: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.countrywide.co.uk/blog/keeping-horses-on-agricultural-land/
3. The Horse. (2017). Planning laws and keeping horses on your land. Retrieved from https://thehorse.com/149915/planning-laws-and-keeping-horses-on-your-land/