Securing planning permission in open countryside is rarely straightforward, particularly where landscape and amenity sensitivities are involved. We recently helped an established arable farm in rural Herefordshire secure consent for a private, all-weather horse gallop. This unlocked an important diversification opportunity while carefully balancing planning risk, landscape impact and long-term viability.
Planning permission has been granted for a private equestrian training loop as part of the diversification of a long-established arable farm. The approval enables the farm to broaden its business model by introducing a specialist facility that supports long-term resilience while remaining firmly rooted in its agricultural setting.
The proposal involved the change of use of agricultural land to create a discreet, all weather gallop designed for year round use. While the principle of diversification was supported, the application required careful handling due to the site’s open rural context and sensitivity to landscape and amenity considerations.
A key challenge arose when the application was transferred to a new planning officer partway through the process. This brought renewed focus on potential impacts to landscape character, visual appearance and rural tranquillity.
Concerns were also raised about how the development would sit within the wider countryside and how activity associated with the gallop might be perceived from nearby viewpoints.
Working closely with the local authority, we helped shape a proportionate response. This included refining the landscape strategy to strengthen screening and reinforce existing field patterns, using native planting and sensitively positioned hedgerows to integrate the gallop into its surroundings. Regular dialogue with planning and landscape officers ensured concerns were addressed pragmatically, without over engineering the solution or undermining the client’s operational needs.
The successful outcome
Planning permission was ultimately granted with appropriate conditions, including the delivery and long term management of the agreed landscaping. The result is a balanced outcome that supports farm diversification while respecting the character and amenity of the surrounding countryside.
This project reflects our approach to rural planning: clear advice, constructive engagement and practical solutions that help clients navigate complex issues and achieve deliverable outcomes.