A private landowner in rural Dorset installed an area of hardstanding to support the day-to-day management of horses, having previously been advised that planning permission was not required. However, the Local Planning Authority determined that both the engineering works and the change of use from agricultural to equestrian constituted development. As a result, an enforcement notice was issued, placing the client at risk of formal action and requiring the situation to be regularised. AssetSphere were appointed to manage the case and provide a clear route to compliance.
AssetSphere’s approach
Acting swiftly, we prepared and submitted a full retrospective planning application to retain the hardstanding and secure the change of use.
A detailed Design and Access Statement was produced, setting out the planning justification for the development. This included demonstrating that:
- The hardstanding was modest in scale and appropriate for a rural equestrian use
- The site was well-contained by existing hedgerows, limiting visual impact
- The proposal complied with relevant countryside and equestrian planning policies
A key technical consideration was surface water and flood risk. The hardstanding had been constructed using permeable materials, allowing water to drain naturally into the ground. AssetSphere worked closely with the planning officer to address queries raised by the drainage team, providing additional supporting information to confirm there would be no increase in runoff or flood risk.
Navigating planning complexity
During the process, it became clear that the planning authority’s position on field shelters had evolved. While initially considered ‘mobile’, the Council confirmed that shelters on skids are now generally treated as operational development requiring planning permission. AssetSphere agreed a pragmatic approach with the planning officer to address these structures under a separate future application, ensuring the current application remained focused and deliverable.
The successful outcome
Planning permission was successfully granted, regularising both the hardstanding and the equestrian use of the land. This resolved the enforcement issue and provided the client with a compliant and secure basis for ongoing use.
This project demonstrates AssetSphere’s ability to:
- Navigate retrospective planning and enforcement scenarios
- Provide clear, evidence-based responses to technical and policy challenges
- Work collaboratively with local authorities to achieve positive outcomes
By correcting earlier misinformation and guiding the client through the planning process, AssetSphere delivered a practical and effective solution – turning a potentially stressful enforcement issue into a successful result.